Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Sea Cliff Village Library is introducing a new program, inviting the community’s young adults and children in grades five and up to make patriotic dog toys for Paws of War. Library Director Camille Purcell said she would like to see it become an annual event.
Paws of War, a Long Island-based organization, trains and places shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to veterans suffering from emotional effects of war, like post-traumatic stress disorder. This is the first time the library is hosting the program.
Purcell said she received an email with information on the organization and program and thought it would be of interest to the library’s patrons.
“I believe as a public library that we should try to do more of these reach outs to these different types of organizations,” she said. “And I would love for it to be a success.”
The event will be led by Danielle DiMauro, a paralegal professional and history professor at Suffolk Community College. DiMauro offers lecture programs for adults and teens as well as interactive community service activities.
DiMauro is the president and founder of the Charmed Positivity and Imagination Corporation. The organization aims to “provide educational programming, professional development and mentoring opportunities that empower, inspire and promote positivity as well as imagination in addition to awareness,” according to its mission statement.
“It does seem like that is her thing,” Purcell said. “To really foster an atmosphere of inclusiveness, reaching out to other people, just positivity and things like that.”
Purcell added that she researched Paws of War and the organization’s mission of supporting veterans appealed to her. She emphasized that she thinks part of a public library’s purpose is community outreach and that the Sea Cliff Library should do more.
“I thought it would be a nice event for the young people to get involved,” Purcell said. “Everybody loves animals, or most people do, and I thought wouldn’t it be nice if they could feel like ‘Yeah, I’m making this, and it’s going to a good organization.’?”
She also said she hopes to show younger community members that the library is a “multidimensional place” with activities for everyone.
In addition to programming for all ages, the library hosts art exhibits with the Sea Cliff Arts Council. A poetry event was held in April to celebration National Poetry Month.
The Paws of War program, titled “Patriotic Kindness,” is set for Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m.
“I’m hoping that it does take off,” Purcell said. “I’m hoping that it’s a nice, successful event and that it leads to more collaboration.”
