Port Jefferson Free Library Gives Back

A library is an important part of the community it serves and here at the we believe in giving back the community.

As part of the activities for our annual Cold Turkey Week (where children pledge to not watch TV or play video games for one whole week) we hosted a poster contest. Children were invited to come to design their own Cold Turkey Week posters. The posters were hung in the Children’s Room where patrons could vote on which poster they liked best. In order to vote each voter had to donate a can of food. The library was able to collect many donations and is very grateful to all who participated.

Our lucky winner Sarah Evans received a special prize. All the other participants also received prizes. 

A special reception was held at the Library on Monday Nov. 21 for those who participated in "Go Cold Turkey." A guest was Victoria Rybak, who is in charge of the Free Store that will be one of the recipients of the donated food.

Ms. Rybak explained that the Free Store gives food, clothing and household items to needy families. The store sees approximately 150 families and hands out 600 cans of food on average each month. Ms. Rybak stressed the importance of giving back to the community and that even small donations can add up to something truly great.

Librarian Monica Williams also attended the event and acted as the representative for the Welcome Inn Soup Kitchens where she is a volunteer. The Welcome Inn is the organization that is responsible for administration and hosting most of the local soup kitchens. She explained that the soup kitchens provide hot meals (not just soup!) and serve 30 to 50 people at each meal. Everyone and anyone is welcome to attend.

Community Service activities are not limited to the Children’s Department. Our teens meet monthly to make various items to be used by the local soup kitchens.

Recently the teens participated in Operation Write Home where they made cards that will be used by soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan to write to their friends and family. The Teen Center has a box where anyone can stop in and donate non perishable goods. It will at the teen center until Dec. 4, so please donate when you have a chance. (See posting detailing other community service activities hosted by the Teen Center.)

The Infant Jesus Free Store is open Monday-Thursday in the Convent Building behind the Infant Jesus Church. Please call (631) 331-6145 for more information.

For more information about the Welcome Inn Soup Kitchen please send any correspondence to: Welcome Inn, P.O. Box 204, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776.