Community Service
You must have a Port Jefferson Free Library 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.
In-Person Community Service Programs
The Teen Center has indoor/in-person programs for teens to earn community service. Each program will provide instructions and materials necessary for participants to work on for an hour. Space is limited. Community service letters will be given physically or sent via email by the Teen Librarians.
Color a Smile
March 2 at 6:30 PM
Color A Smile is a nonprofit organization that distributes cheerful drawings to senior citizens, troops overseas, and thousands of other individuals. Come to the library to receive an hour of community service by coloring a delightful drawing to share with anyone in need of a smile.
Teen Meetup
March 7 at 4:00 PM
Stay informed and get involved with the Teen Center! Earn an hour of community service by collaborating with the librarians to decide and plan future activities for the library.
Coupons for Troops
March 9 at 6:30 PM
Did you know that expired manufacturer coupons are still good for 6 months at U.S. military bases overseas? Earn an hour of community service by helping the librarians cut and sort coupons for a better cause.
Lego Organizers
March 14 at 4:00 PM
Like perler beads, the librarians are fed up with the lego chaos, and need extra hands to help organize. Teens can earn an hour of community service by sorting various lego pieces by color or size.
Bookshop Organizers
March 23 or April 25 at 4:00 PM
The Friends of the Library Bookshop is a volunteer organization that houses a collection of gently used books. Teens can receive an hour of community service by decorating and organizing bookshelves.
Perler Bead Sorters
February 26, March 26 at 2:00 PM or April 12 at 6:30 PM
The Teen Center has tons of perler beads, but not enough hands to organize! Come to the library and earn an hour of community service by sorting little plastic beads for future crafts and decoration.
Paper Flowers
April 4 at 4:00 PM
So long winter, welcome spring! Earn an hour of community service by helping the Teen Center make loads of spring fling decorations with large paper flowers.
Perler Bead Designers
April 20 at 6:30 PM
Find creative inspiration and fun with perler beads. Help the Teen Center prepare decorations by designing and making a cool perler bead craft. Teens will earn an hour of community service.
Authors Unlimited (with the Suffolk County Library System)
Saturday, April 15 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM at St. Joseph’s University
Authors Unlimited 2023 will be taking place on Saturday, April 15th in person at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue! It’s a free program that celebrates reading by connecting teens and authors. Attendees will get the chance to hear from three dynamic authors of young adult literature, first at a panel and then in solo sessions. There will be a chance to purchase books and get them signed! Attendees can earn three hours of community service credit for attending and then filling out a survey at the end of the day. Look for updates on their Twitter @AuthorsUnlim! REGISTER AT AU2023.EVENTBRITE.COM
Pick Up Community Service Opportunities
The Teen Center offers kits for teens to earn community service. 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. If there are any issues with the kit or in completing the task, email: info@pjteen.org
Take-Home Community Service: Paper Arrows (ONLINE FORM)
Stop in the Teen Center and pick up supplies to help decorate our department. You will receive two hours for completing this envelope. ONLY ONE ENVELOPE PER MONTH.
Take-Home Community Service: Paper Garland (ONLINE FORM)
Stop in the Teen Center and pick up supplies to help decorate our department. You will receive two hours for completing this envelope. ONLY ONE ENVELOPE PER MONTH.
Previous Online Forms: Kind Hearts and Paper Hands
Online Community Service Opportunities
Check out the community service opportunities you can do at home! Each activity provides the appropriate guidelines needed to earn community service. Hours will be given once the participant has the form correctly submitted. If there are any issues in accessing or completing the form, email: info@pjteen.org
Book Review and Movie Review Update!
Starting in March 2023, teens can earn 4 hours of community service for each submitted book, or movie, review that meets the required guidelines! Teens must have a current PJFL library card to earn community service hours.
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.
