Mid-Hudson Library System
Public libraries of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam and Ulster Counties
Below are libraries from the Mid-Hudson Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2023! Check back often for updates; details about programs will begin to be shared around the beginning of September. Please contact libraries directly for questions regarding offered programming.
Beekman Library’s Great Give Back
October 21st
All ages
From now until October 21, 2023, the Beekman Library will collect toiletries for Hudson River Housing.
Hudson River Housing creates pathways out of homelessness and strengthens communities by developing and preserving affordable housing and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Help us support this worthwhile organization and their mission of ending homelessness. Please drop items off at the Beekman Library or call us to arrange a pickup.
No registration is required and participation is not limited to residents
The Great Give Back: Kindness Crafts
October 21st from 11:00am-2:00pm
All ages
The Brewster Public Library will be inviting community members to join our effort to “Nurture Our Neighbors” by creating kindness crafts at the library. This will be a drop-in program with a variety of age appropriate crafts for participants to make. Staff members will distribute the finished kindness crafts in outdoor spaces throughout the community in hopes to spread some positivity and inspiration to our neighbors.
No registration required
Great Give Back to your local food pantry
September 21st – October 21st
Drop off at any local Greene County Library
All ages
Help support your local food pantry by donating goods at your local library! All Greene County Libraries will be accepting canned foods, dry goods and toiletry/personal hygiene products for each of their local food pantries for an entire month span, beginning September 21 and ending October 21. Donations will be accepted during your local library’s open hours. Thank you for helping your local Greene County community!
No registration required
Great Give Back to your local food pantry
September 21st – October 21st
Drop off at any local Greene County Library
All ages
Help support your local food pantry by donating goods at your local library! All Greene County Libraries will be accepting canned foods, dry goods and toiletry/personal hygiene products for each of their local food pantries for an entire month span, beginning September 21 and ending October 21. Donations will be accepted during your local library’s open hours. Thank you for helping your local Greene County community!
No registration required
Collecting Donations and Raising Awareness of Domestic Violence – Healing a Woman’s Soul
October 1st-31st
All ages
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Chatham Public Library is collecting donations on behalf of Healing a Woman’s Soul (HAWS) as part of its Great Give Back taking place throughout the month. HAWS is a compassionate non-profit program whose mission is to help heal women who are victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence comes in many forms – verbal abuse, physical harm, financial control and manipulation – and experiencing it often leads to homelessness and many other life-threatening issues. On behalf of HAWS, the Library will be collecting monetary donations (made out to Healing a Woman’s Soul) and needed items including blankets and sheets (single), pillows (new), pillow cases, dishes and/or flatware, pots and pans and/or cooking utensils/pot holders, small appliances, cleaning items including sponges and buckets, women’s underwear (new), as well as used clothing (especially for children) such as socks, coats, boots and shoes. Personal care items needed include shampoo/conditioners, sanitary napkins, toothbrushes/toothpaste, brushes/combs, hand and body lotion, and diapers. They are also in need of school supplies like notebook paper, crayons, notebooks, pens, pencils, and calculators. A collection container will be located on the lower floor of the Library starting October 1 and running through October 31, 2023. Questions about this program or any library services should be directed to merka@chatham.k12.ny.us
No registration required
Zonta Pop Up Period Pantry
October 4th – November 1st from12:00-7:00pm
Zonta Club of the Upper Hudson Valley is collection period supplies in public libraries in Greene and Columbia Counties until November. Supplies will be donated to local food banks.
No registration required
Lion’s Club Coat Drive
October 2nd – November 4th from 12:00-7:00pm
All ages
We are collecting gently used coats for people of all ages. The Lions Club will distribute them.
No registration required
Clinton Community Library Gives Back!
October 1st-31st
All ages
Clinton Community Library will be collecting items for our local food pantry. During the entire month of October, stop by Clinton Community Library to donate canned/dried non perishables as well as toiletry/personal hygiene products. All items will be donated to the Pleasant Plains Presbyterian Church food pantry. Donations will be accepted at any time during the library’s open hours from October 1st through October 31st. Patrons and community members are invited to stop by the library on October 21st to help prepare and assemble hygiene kits with the items donated. Please see the list of needed items on Clinton Community Library’s website. Thank you for your support of our wonderful community!
No registration required
Great Give Back to your local food pantry
September 21st – October 21st
Drop off at any local Greene County Library
All ages
Help support your local food pantry by donating goods at your local library! All Greene County Libraries will be accepting canned foods, dry goods and toiletry/personal hygiene products for each of their local food pantries for an entire month span, beginning September 21 and ending October 21. Donations will be accepted during your local library’s open hours. Thank you for helping your local Greene County community!
No registration required
Personal Care Items Drive for Center of Compassion
October 1st-31st
All ages
Dover Plains Library will be collecting personal care items (shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc) for Center of Compassion in Dover Plains. You can drop off items at the library starting October 1 through the end of the month.
No registration required
East Fishkill Community Library
Personal and Pet Care Collection
October 1st-31st
All ages
Help you neighbors in need! We’re collecting personal hygiene and pet care products all through October. Donations will be used in our free pantries- any excess will be donated to local organizations. All donations should be sealed and within any expiration dates. Needed items for personal care include soaps, feminine products, and dental care items. For pets, canned and dry foods, litter, and treats are needed.
No registration required
UC FOOD FIGHT
September 1st – October 12th
All ages
Donate food for our local food pantry. UC competing to see who can collect the most food!
No registration required
Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA food and supply drive
October 2nd-31st
All ages
Donations of pet food and supplies for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA can be dropped off at the Germantown Library during October
No registration required
Great Giveback ‘feed’back!
September 21st – October 21st
All ages
We will be collecting non-perishable food items to give to our local food pantry. Items can be dropped off during our open hours. Thank you!
No registration required
Dutchess Libraries Care
October 1st-31st from 9:30am-8:00am
All ages
Toiletries Collection – Drop-off toiletries to Grinnell Public Library to be given to Hudson River Inc.
No registration required
Great Give Back to your local food pantry
September 21st – October 21st
Drop off at any local Greene County Library
All ages
Help support your local food pantry by donating goods at your local library! All Greene County Libraries will be accepting canned foods, dry goods and toiletry/personal hygiene products for each of their local food pantries for an entire month span, beginning September 21 and ending October 21. Donations will be accepted during your local library’s open hours. Thank you for helping your local Greene County community!
No registration required
Ulster County Food Fight
September 1st – October 21st
All ages
We will be collecting food to give to our local food bank. The collection will last until Thanksgiving. The competition with other Ulster libraries will end on Oct 21st.
No registration required
Great Knit Off
September 1st – December 1st
Adults
We are inviting anyone who loves to knit or crochet to join us in our mission to provide warm and cozy knitwear to those in need. Your generosity and talent can make a real difference in the lives of many people who are struggling to stay warm this winter. Together, we can spread warmth and love throughout our community. So, if you have some spare time and a passion for knitting or crocheting, we would be thrilled to have you join us in this important cause. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a positive impact in our community. Done at home or during Yarn and Yak.
Registration suggested for anyone attending Yarn and Yak
Stichin’ for the Kitchen
October 1st – November 17th
All ages
Starting October 1st and running through November 17th, the Howland Public Library invites Beacon and the surrounding communities to participate in “Stitchin’ for the Kitchen” by donating handmade hats and scarves. Donations can be dropped off at the Howland Public Library located at 313 Main Street in Beacon, NY. The primary beneficiaries of this drive are Fareground, Beacon Community Kitchen, and St. Andrew’s Food Pantry. All collected hats and scarves will be distributed to individuals and families in need throughout the Beacon area, ensuring that they stay warm and cozy during the colder months ahead. Washable fibers, please.
No registration required
Period Pantry
September 28th – October 31st
All ages
In partnership with the Zonta Club of the Upper Hudson Valley, the Hudson Area Library will be collected period products to be dispersed to those in need through local food kitchens. The Pop-Up Period Pantry is located near the main desk in the library. Period products may be donated through the Pop-Up Period Pantry during open library hours.
No registration required
Lion’s Club Coat Drive
October 1st-31st
All ages
In partnership with the Hudson Lion’s Club, the Hudson Area Library will be collecting new or gently used winter coats and outerwear (hats, gloves, scarves) to be dispersed to those in need. Donations may be made in the collection bin by the main entrance of the library during open library hours.
No registration required
Socktober
October 1st-31st
All ages
The Hunter Public Library will be collecting brand new socks to be donated to the Community Action of Greene County, Inc. for the homeless.
No registration required
Great Give Back to your local food pantry
September 21st – October 21st
Drop off at any local Greene County Library
All ages
Help support your local food pantry by donating goods at your local library! All Greene County Libraries will be accepting canned foods, dry goods and toiletry/personal hygiene products for each of their local food pantries for an entire month span, beginning September 21 and ending October 21. Donations will be accepted during your local library’s open hours. Thank you for helping your local Greene County community!
No registration required
Fall Food Drive
November 1st-18th
All ages
The Hyde Park Library is hosting a Fall Food Drive to benefit the Hyde Park Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted in the Main Library from November 1st to November 18th. All items must be non-perishable and not expired.Here are some items that the food pantry is looking for:
Boxes of Hot Chocolate or Tea, Soup, Crackers, Condiments, Boxes of Potatoes, Hamburger Helper, Turkey Stuffing, Jars of Turkey Gravy, Canned Sweet Potatoes, and Canned Cranberry Sauce. Toiletries are welcome as well!
No registration required
Spring Bulb Planting at Kent Town Center
October 24th from 4:00-5:00pm
Ages 12-adult
We will meet at the Kent Public Library, 17 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY and plant spring bulbs (crocus, snow drops and daffodils) in the central campus area, in front to the town hall and library. If it is raining, we will postpone this event until the next day, October 25. If possible, please bring a trowel or other tool to dig with.
Please go to https://kentlibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar to register, so that we will know how many bulbs to buy.
Hudson River Housing Donation Drive
October 1st-28th from 9:30am-2:00pm
All ages
The LaGrange Association Library invites our community once again to participate in The Great Give Back! This year we are collecting a variety of items for Hudson River Housing, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing everyone with a good place to live in dignity. We will collect these donations inside of the library throughout the month of October during our regular business hours.
No registration required
Fire Safety for Your Home and Family
October 21st from 2:30-4:00pm
Livingston Town Hall Parking Lot
All ages
Come join us in the Livingston Town Hall parking lot on October 21st at 2:30pm
to learn all about fire safety in your home and how to protect your family and property.
Safely preparing for the colder months and learn more about what the fire company
does in the community.
No registration required
The Great Community Give Back Food Drive
October 1st-31st
All ages
Non-perishable food items can be dropped off during the Library’s open hours.
No registration required
Volunteer Fair
October 14th from 11:00am-1:30pm
All ages
Interested in volunteering? Come to Millbrook Library to see all the amazing organizations that help our community and learn how you can help. We have organizations joining us for animal care, local ecology, food banks, medical care, and more.
No registration required
Dutchess Libraries Care – Personal Care Drive
October 2nd-31st
All ages
We are collecting personal care items for people in need in our community! Donations accepted include: Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, Body wash, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Mouthwash, Dental floss, Menstrual products, Deodorant, Razors, Shaving cream, Hairbrushes
No registration required
Morton Memorial Library & Community House
3rd Annual Milkweed Release Day
October 21st from 10:00am-12:00pm
Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill
All ages
Join Morton and Staatsburg Libraries as we partner with the Pollinator Patrol and Winnakee Land Trust for a morning of identifying milkweed, talking about monarchs, spreading seed, and planting native plants: NE asters, swamp milkweed, etc. This event is free and open to all.
Registration requested not required: https://tinyurl.com/yd43j4af
“Dutchess Libraries Care” Personal Care Product Collection
October 1st-31st
Any of the local Dutchess county libraries
All ages
Dutchess County Libraries are collecting personal care items for those in need. Help us by donating through the month of October. Examples of personal care items are: shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, alcohol free mouthwash, menstrual products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, hairbrushes.
No registration required.
Great Give Back to your local food pantry
September 21st – October 21st
Drop off at any local Greene County Library
All ages
Help support your local food pantry by donating goods at your local library! All Greene County Libraries will be accepting canned foods, dry goods and toiletry/personal hygiene products for each of their local food pantries for an entire month span, beginning September 21 and ending October 21. Donations will be accepted during your local library’s open hours. Thank you for helping your local Greene County community!
No registration required
Ulster County Food Fight
September 1st – October 21st
All ages
Ulster County libraries are holding a food collection contest. The common goal is to fill up the shelves of local food pantries and to put an end to hunger in our communities.
No registration required
Great Give Back to your local food pantry
September 21st – October 21st
Drop off at any local Greene County Library
All ages
Help support your local food pantry by donating goods at your local library! All Greene County Libraries will be accepting canned foods, dry goods and toiletry/personal hygiene products for each of their local food pantries for an entire month span, beginning September 21 and ending October 21. Donations will be accepted during your local library’s open hours. Thank you for helping your local Greene County community!
No registration required
Putnam Lake Park Cleanup
October 18th
Putnam Lake Park
Teens
Our Teen Leadership Council is excited to announce that they will be cleaning up Putnam Lake Park on Wednesday, October 18th at 4:30 PM. Stop by and lend a hand or offer some nice words of encouragement for a great bunch of kids helping out toward a good cause.
No registration required
Ulster County Library Food Fight
September 1st – October 15th from 1:00-6:00pm
All ages
We are collecting food for area food banks. Please bring NON-EXPIRED non-perishables to our library to share with neighbors who could use a little extra!
No registration required
Ulster County Food Fight
September 1st – October 21st
All ages
Non-perishable food donations. Donations will be accepted during normal library hours.
No registration required
Great Give Back for Hudson River Housing
October 1st-21st
All ages
From October 2 until October 21, we will collect full-sized toiletries/personal care items for Hudson River Housing. Please drop off donations in our lobby whenever we are open. And on Saturday, October 21, while we are open from 10:00am until 2:00pm, we invite everyone to come in and assemble the donated items into personal care packages for Hudson River Housing’s clients. Hudson River Housing creates pathways out of homelessness and strengthens communities by developing and preserving affordable housing and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Help us support this worthwhile organization and their mission of ending homelessness.
No registration required
Poughkeepsie Public Library District
In Support of Dutchess Outreach
Adriance Memorial Library
October 21st from 12:00-3:00pm
All ages
Join us in giving back in support of the good work of Dutchess Outreach, a major food pantry and supplier of meals to those in need. A donation of unexpired canned or boxed food goods will be accepted by those wishing to donate.
No registration required
Be an Adriance! Give Back to the Community on Founders Day!
Adriance Memorial Library
October 21st from 1:00-3:00pm
Family
Be like the Adriance Family, who 125 years ago, gifted a library building to the community. We don’t need another library but Dutchess Outreach needs to fill their food pantry shelves! Help us help then help the community! Donate unexpired, non-preishable food to the cause when you come for our Founders Day celebration.
No registration required
Toiletries Collection for Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center
October 1st-31st from 10:00am-7:00pm
All ages
We are collecting donations during our hours of operation for the Putnam /Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center. No registration is required. We are accepting the following new/sealed items: Full size shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine hygiene products, hair combs and brushes, cotton ball and swabs.
No registration required
NexTrex Recycling Challenge
October 1st-31st
All ages
The library is collecting commonly not recycled plastics like bags and packaging plastic. A collection bin is placed inside the library for the community to add to.
No registration required
Love Shouldn’t Hurt
October 1st-21st
Teens and Adults
The Red Hook Public Library will be collecting donations for the Grace Smith House. Grace Smith House is a private nonprofit that provides residential and non-residential services to victims of domestic violence and their families. They offer shelter, transitional housing, advocacy, individual/group counseling, accompaniment, transportation, outreach and preventive education and more to residents of Dutchess County, NY.
As part of our Great Give Back efforts, we will be partnering with the Grace Smith House to offer two programs aimed at teens and adults respectively. The program is called “Love Shouldn’t Hurt,” which is an awareness, intervention, and prevention workshop that addresses the serious issue of abuse in dating relationships. This workshop will empower teens and adults with the skills to distinguish between relationships based on power and control and those based on equality, respect and trust.
Women’s Resource Center Drive
October 2nd-31st from 10:00am-7:00pm
Adults
The Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center provides advocacy, education and services to the community in order to create a safe, supportive environment that eliminates violence against women and children and promotes gender equality. In order to support their mission, Reed Memorial Library will collect items for the emergency shelter the PNWWRC runs that houses individuals who are victims of domestic violence to take respite from an abusive partner and receive services and support by trained staff. Items for adults: shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine hygiene products, hair combs & brushes, cotton balls & swabs. Items for children: school supplies, crayons, pens, pencils, notebooks, coloring books. If you want to donate items to the drive, please bring them to the library during the month of October.
Registration is not required.
Roeliff Jansen Community Library
Firefighter Recruitment and Fire Prevention
October 21st from 11:00am-2:00pm
All ages
Join members of the Copake Fire Department to learn about what it takes to become a firefighter and tips on fire prevention. Copake firefighters will also teach visitors some rope tricks–being one of the few firefighting districts in the area trained in rope rescue.
No registration required
UC Food Fight
October 1st-21st
All ages
As part of the Great Give Back, Ulster County libraries are holding a food collection contest. The common goal is to fill up the shelves of local food pantries and to put an end to hunger in our communities!
No registration required
Dutchess Libraries Care: Starr Library Hygiene Product Collection
October 2nd-31st
All ages
Dutchess Libraries Care. Help us collect personal care items through the month of October to help those in need. Donations accepted include soap, shampoo, menstrual products, deodorant, and more. See complete list in the library and on our website. Items can be brought in during the library’s open hours throughout the month of October.
No registration required
Monarchs & Milkweed at Burger Hill
October 21st from 11:00am-1:00pm
Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill 3158 NY-9G, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
All ages
The Staatsburg Library and the Morton Library are partnering with the Pollinator Patrol Club & the Winnakee Land Trust for a morning of identifying milkweed, talking about Monarchs and spreading milkweed seeds. This is a great opportunity to help Monarch butterflies and pollinators by expanding the pollinator pathway and milkweed waystation at Burger Hill.
No registration required
Dutchess Libraries Care
October 1st-31st
All ages
The Staatsburg Library will collect travel size toiletry/personal hygiene and care products for distribution through Hudson River Housing and Hope On A Mission. Throughout the month volunteers from the Staatsburg community will package items to be distributed. Hudson River Housing creates pathways out of homelessness and strengthens communities by developing and preserving affordable housing and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Help us support this worthwhile organization and their mission of ending homelessness. Please drop items off at the Staatsburg Library.
No registration required
Ulster County Food Fight
September 1st – October 21st
All ages
We are collecting food and personal care items for local food pantries.
No registration required
Personal Care Items Collection
October 1st-31st
All ages
During the month of October, the Tivoli Free Library will be collecting donations of personal care items (including but not limited to soap, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, soaps, shampoos/conditioners, toilet paper, wet wipes) for the Red Hook Community Center. Donations may be brought to the library during open hours – we cannot accept opened packages or used items.
No registration required
Great Give Back to your local food pantry
September 21st – October 21st
Drop off at any local Greene County Library
All ages
Help support your local food pantry by donating goods at your local library! All Greene County Libraries will be accepting canned foods, dry goods and toiletry/personal hygiene products for each of their local food pantries for an entire month span, beginning September 21 and ending October 21. Donations will be accepted during your local library’s open hours. Thank you for helping your local Greene County community!
No registration required
Woodstock Public Library District
Ulster County Food Fight
September 1st-October 21st from 10:00am-6:00pm
All ages
Ulster County Food Fight! Bring us your *non-perishable (and unexpired)* food donations September 1 – October 21. As part of the Great Give Back, Ulster County libraries are holding a food collection contest. The common goal is to fill up the shelves of local food pantries and to put an end to hunger in our communities! Please bring in your food donations during our open hours. All items collected will go to the Good Neighbor Food Pantry in Woodstock.
No registration required
Click here to view past GGB events from the Mid-Hudson Library System.