You must have a valid Port Jefferson Free Library Teen card in order to receive community service credit with us. The Teen Center tries to provide a variety of opportunities to fulfill the need for community service. It is up to the individual to confirm that the activities you participate in through the Library will be accepted by your organization. It is also up to the participants to keep their own records of the hours accrued. The Teen Center does not keep a record of community service earned through their community service opportunities.
Discover New Ways to Volunteer and Earn Community Service Credits
Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich from District 1 collaborated with the Three Village Dads Foundation to establish a database aimed at assisting residents in discovering impactful ways to contribute to the community. For those interested in local community service, we recommend utilizing this resource to explore opportunities with various activities or organizations.
Volunteer with New York State Parks
If you’re keen on supporting your local environment, consider participating in the New York State Park Volunteer Program. It’s advisable for younger teens to join with a parent, but any teen can engage in volunteer activities if they are willing to contribute, such as invasive plant removal, gardening, trail maintenance, beach cleanups, and other tasks. If you’re interested, refer to the flyer for contact details of Volunteer Coordinator:
Michael DaMaulo
Michael.DiMaulo@parks.ny.gov
631-581-1072
Volunteer at Author’s Unlimited!
Authors Unlimited is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue, NY. The goal of Authors Unlimited is to promote the joy of reading by linking teens with authors. Teens in grades 7-12 can participate in the event and earn three hours of community service by completing a survey afterward, or they can apply to volunteer for the entire day to accumulate a full day of community service.
Click here for more info on how to volunteer!
If you’re interested in finding more opportunities to volunteer and earn community service, you’re in luck! Check out the comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities available from the Long Island Volunteer Center.
In-Person Community Service Programs
The Teen Center has in-person programs for teens to earn community service. Each program will provide instructions and materials necessary for participants to work on for one hour. Receive 1 hour of community service per in-person program unless otherwise stated. Space is limited. Community service letters will be given physically or sent via email by the Teen Librarians.
To register for community service programs in March and April, please do so by phone or in person. If you’re interested in signing up, simply call 631-509-5707 or stop by the Teen Center.
Teen Volunteers Needed
Join us for our Grand Opening! We’re looking for enthusiastic teens to volunteer for guest greeting and activity management. Contact the Teen Center for details.
Bookshop Organizers
Tuesday, March 4th at 4:00 PM
Tuesday, April 1st at 4:00 PM
The Friends of the Library Bookshop is a volunteer organization which houses a collection of gently used books that can be acquired through a small donation. Earn community service by organizing the donated books.
Teen Meetup
Tuesday, March 11th at 4:00 PM
Collaborate with librarians to plan future library activities in the Teen Center.
Green Teens
Monday, March 17th at 4:00 PM
Creating greenery projects for our outdoor Teen Center gardenscape.
Perler Bead Sorters
Sunday, March 23rd at 2:00 PM
Help organize perler beads for future crafts and decoration.
Meet the Animals
Sunday, April 27th at 2:00 PM
In this introductory wildlife program, you will explore cold-blooded reptiles, furry mammals, and feathered birds, and learn about the unique characteristics of each animal class.
Teen Center Helpers
Monday, March 31st at 6:30 PM
Monday, April 28th at 6:30 PM
The librarians are seeking additional assistance to organize their materials for future activities.
Take-Home Community Service Opportunities
The Teen Center offers kits for teens to earn community service. Receive 2 hours of community service per envelope completed. Limit one of each type of envelope per newsletter. Each kit will have instructions and materials for the participants to follow and return to the Teen Center.
The online forms are for those who picked up an envelope at the Teen Center and are in the process of returning the kit. Hours will be given once the online form is completed and the envelope is returned to the community service bin. Please note that all submissions will receive a response within a timeframe of 1 to 7 days. The submission date of your community service form will be counted for the corresponding month. If there are any issues with the kit or in completing the task, email: info@pjteen.org
These opportunities will be available for pickup in the Teen Center beginning on March 1st 2025.
Bookmarks
Online Form
Design bookmarks for the library.
Lucky Star Origami
Online Form
Create origami paper stars for Teen Center.
Previous Take-Home Community Service Online Forms:
Butterflies
Flowers
Online Community Service Opportunities
Check out the community service opportunities you can do at home! Each activity provides the appropriate and updated guidelines needed to earn community service. Hours will be given once the participant has the form correctly submitted. Please note that all submissions will receive a response within a timeframe of 1 to 7 days. The submission date of your community service form will be counted for the corresponding month. If there are any issues in accessing or completing the form, email: info@pjteen.org
Recycle Challenge
Earn community service by recycling bottles and reduce waste in your community! A maximum of 10 hours will be awarded per month. See online form for details.
Teen Book Review
Earn community service by reviewing young adult novels, e-books or print, on their reading level. You can earn 4 hours of community service for each submitted book review! There is a limit of 2 reviews per month.
Teen Movie Review
Earn community service by reviewing PG or PG-13 movies from any source, DVD or digital streaming services. You can earn 4 hours of community service for each submitted movie review that meets the required guidelines. There is a limit of 2 reviews per month.
