Mid-Hudson Library System
Public libraries of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam and Ulster Counties
In the coming months the libraries from the Mid-Hudson Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2025 will be listed here! 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.
Click here to view past GGB events from the Mid-Hudson Library System.
Beekman Community Pantry
September 2nd – Ongoing
The Beekman Library is starting a “take what you need, give what you can” community pantry that will provide supplemental food for our neighbors in need. We are accepting donations from the public and will work with local farms and businesses to provide additional foods. We are starting in September with nonperishable items and plan to add fresh produce and eggs one day per week later on in the fall. A list will be posted on our website to let donors know what the pantry needs. The community pantry is located in our vestibule and is accessible to the public during library hours. Food donations are accepted at the front desk. We hope that those of you who are able will consider donating on a regular basis by adding a few items to your weekly shopping cart. A community pantry is a tangible way to show that we take care of each other in Beekman.
No registration is required. The Beekman Community Pantry is available to anyone who needs it and can be accessed during library hours. No questions asked and no paperwork required.
Pet Food Drive for Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA
September 18th – October 18th
We will be collecting pet food for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA in anticipation of their visit on Saturday, October 18th.
A Visit with the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA
October 18th at 11:00AM
Representatives from CGHS will provide information on recognizing animal cruelty, handling an animal safely, and the programs they offer. If we’re lucky, one of their current residents will also be here for a meet and greet with attendees.
No registration required.
Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library
Cold Spring Riverfront Clean Up
October 17th from 8:30 – 10:00
Location: Cold Spring Riverfront – Bandstand
Help us clean up the Cold Spring Riverfront from Foundry Dock to Dockside Park. Please bring your own gloves and grabbers if you have them. Bags and refreshments will be provided (the latter to follow at the library).
All Ages; Registration required at www.butterfieldlibrary.org.
Food Pantry Supplies
September 2nd – December 1st
The Claverack Free Library will be collecting food and items for local food pantries.
No registration required, drop off items any time the library is open. A list of items can be found on our website. claveracklibrary.org
Winter Coat Drive
October 1st – 31st
Donate clean, gently used winter coats in sizes infant to adult at the library during the month of October. In partnership with Dutchess Outreach, the Library will host a Winter Coat Giveaway on Saturday, Nov 15 10 am – 12:30 pm. No registration.
East Fishkill Community Library
Food Donation Drive
October 1st – 18th
We are partnering with the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, collecting non-perishable food donations to help our neighbors in need. Drop off donations any time the library is open.
Food Fight
September 2nd – October 18th
All Ages
As part of the Great Give Back, Ulster County libraries are holding the 6th Annual Ulster County Food Fight: 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.
We’re in it to win it for our community! Please help us by donating canned/boxed foods and personal hygiene items. Donate today and get your free participation button! Check out our list of recommended items by visiting our website: eltinglibrary.org
We fight for: Family of New Paltz!
Columbia-Greene Humane Society Donation Drive
October 1st – 31st
The Germantown Library pet donation drive to support the Columbia-Greene Humane Society will focus on collecting tangible goods that shelters constantly need.
Food and treats: Unopened bags or cans of pet food, puppy or kitten formula, and treats.
Bedding and towels: New or gently used blankets, sheets, towels, and pet beds.
Toys and enrichment: Durable rubber toys, catnip, and scratch pads.
Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergent (HE), bleach, paper towels, heavy-duty trash bags, and dish soap.
Collection bins will be available inside the library for drop-off during the month of October.
Please check our website for library operating hours.
The Great Give Back Donation Drive for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA
October 1st – 31st
From October 1 – 31 we will be collecting items for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA. If you can, please donate an item from their Wish List.
Cat & Dog Food (wet/dry), Cat & Dog Toys, Cat & Dog Treats-Dry, Cat & Dog Beds, Blankets/Towels, Kongs, Chew Sticks, Cat Litter, Dog Bones, Paper Towels, Harnesses, Collars, Leashes, Pee Pads, Fur Brushes, Tennis Balls
Coxsackie Area Food Pantry Month & Cause 4 Paws
October 1st – 31st
Please donate unopened pet food (wet or dry) at the Heermance Memorial Library, Hatchet Hardware, Pilothouse Paper, Shipwrecked and Simone’s Kitchen. The Library is also collecting supplies for local rescue organizations: gift cards from Walmart, PetSmart, PetCo, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, Amazon and gas cards; leashes, harnesses & collars, gentle leaders; pee pads; dog & cat beds; blankets & towels; treats & dream bones; dog bones; squeak toys & stuffed animals (no brittle or detachable parts); tennis balls; Nylabones, Kongs & chew sticks; pill pockets; flea & tick medicine; food bins; bleach; scrub brushes; paper towels; laundry detergent; baby wipes; large contractor bags; fur brushes.
No registration is required – donations listed in the description will be welcomed from everyone.
The Great Give Back: A Day of Service at the Library
October 18th from 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Join the Howland Public Library in this statewide initiative promoting community service. We’re collecting new personal hygiene items through October 18, when families are invited to help assemble care packages with donated items and notes or drawings from children.
For a full list of items, visit our website: www.beaconlibrary.org
Donations can be placed in labeled bins inside the library’s entrance during library hours.
Registration for the October 18 event will open on the library’s website one week before the event.
Paws for a Cause to Support Ulster Co. SPCA
September 1st – October 18th
Join us in supporting the Ulster County SPCA! The Paws for a Cause Drive helps provide pet food, kitten food, toys and more to our local shelter. Every donation makes a difference in giving our furry friends a second chance at a happy, healthy life.
Ulster County Food Fight
September 1st – October 18th
We’re collecting nonperishable items and fresh staples to stock our community fridge and pantry. Your donations will help local families put nourishing meals on the table and ensure no neighbor goes hungry.
The Great Giveback Food Drive
October 1st – 31st
We are partnering with other libraries in Columbia County for this year’s Great Giveback! For 2025, each library will be collecting shelf-stable food items to support our local food pantries, cabinets, and fridges this fall. Stop by our library to donate non-expired cans or boxes of food and personal hygiene products. Help us build a stronger community, together!
Winter Coat Drive
October 1st – 31st
We are supporting the Lions Club of Hudson’s annual Coats for Kids initiative by collecting winter coats through a collection bin in the library. Please make sure that donated coats are in good, clean condition.
Sock-tober
October 1st – 31st
All ages.
We are collecting NEW socks for Greene County Community Action for the homeless & women’s shelters in Greene County.
No Registration Required
Food Fight
September 2nd – October 18th
From September 2 to October 18, your local library is firing up the annual Ulster County Food Fight, part of New York State’s Great Give Back community service event. Bring your donations of non-perishable foods to your nearest participating branch—then cheer as local libraries compete to collect the most items for our community food pantries.
The Hurley Library is once again a proud drop-off location, so stop by, bring your contributions, and help our shelves overflow with generosity. Together, we can support our neighbors in need and help Hurley Library shine in this friendly countywide competition.
Great Give Back
September 1st – October 18th
This year we’re collecting donations for the Hyde Park Food Pantry. Please bring the items you’d like to donate to the library during our normal business hours and place them in the bin in front of the fireplace (as soon as you enter the library). Most-needed items include canned soups, Knorr pasta and rice sides, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, applesauce, fruit juice, and Hamburger Helper.
No registration required.
Cards of Gratitude for Our Veterans
October 1st – 31st
The Friends of Kent Library will be making a generous donation of books, and we are partnering with Guardian Revival to ensure these gifts, along with handmade cards from our community, are added to their Annual Veterans Appreciation Chow Down—an event that honors those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Stop by the library during normal business hours and visit our Great Give Back table. Supplies will be available for you to make and decorate cards for veterans—simple, heartfelt messages that will brighten someone’s day and show our gratitude.
Together, let’s create something special to thank the brave men and women who have served and protected our country.
All Ages. Registration is not required.
The Great Giveback Food Drive
October 18th – November 21st
All Ages
We are partnering with other libraries in Columbia County for this year’s Great Giveback! For 2025, each library will be collecting shelf-stable food items to support our local food pantries this fall. Stop by our library to donate non-expired cans or boxes of food. Help us build a stronger community, together!
No registration required
Great Give Back 2025: Hudson River Housing Donations
October 1st – 31st
LaGrange Association Library will be partnering with Hudson River Housing to collect donations of new, unused items for the 2025 Great Give Back. Donations will be collected throughout the month of October, and can be dropped-off at the library during regular business hours.
Requested items include towels, washcloths, bedding, formula, diapers and other baby products), cleaning supplies, non-perishable food items, unopened toiletries, and adult pampers.
If you have any questions, please contact Samantha Brandal at sbrandal@laglib.org.
Registration not required. Please bring donations of requested items to LaGrange Association Library, 1110 State Rt. 55, LaGrangeville NY 12540.
Pet Adoption Event
October 18th from 10:00 – 12:00
All ages
As part of the Great Give Back Event, join us and the amazing team at The Incredible Pups Pet Rescue for a pet adoption event. Incase of inclement weather, the event will take place in our Community Room. For more information check out https://www.incrediblepupspetrescue.com/
No registration required. Not restricted to residents only.
The Great Community Give Back Food Drive
September 2nd – October 18th
The Great Community Give Back, held on October 18, is a day of participation in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. In celebration of this day, the Library will be partnering with other Ulster County libraries to collect non-perishable, non-expired, food items from September 2 until October 18.
Items dropped off at the Library will be donated to the town’s local food pantry in time for the holidays.
2025 Susan DeKeukelaere Memorial Coat Drive
October 1st – 31st
Together, we can help every neighbor face the season with warmth, comfort, and dignity.
Morton Memorial Library & Community House
Milkweed Release Party
October 18th at 10:00AM
All Ages
Join Morton Memorial Library & Community House and Pollinator Partners: Staatsburg Library, the Pollinator Patrol Club, and Winnakee Land Trust at Burger Hill, for a cherished annual tradition! We’ll be releasing milkweed seed pods into the air, helping them travel to new places where they can take root and support next year’s Monarchs.
Come learn how to identify milkweed, explore the wonders of Monarch butterflies, and take part in this joyful, hands-on activity to support pollinator habitats. Together, we’ll spread the seeds for a brighter future for these incredible butterflies!
Can’t join us this day? We will have seed packets after the event available for pick up at Morton or Staatsburg Libraries that you can use at home.
Free and open to all. No registration necessary.
Cause 4 Paws: A Day of Adoption, Awareness & Advocacy
October 18th from 10:00 – 2:00
Everyone is welcome to join us for the second annual: Cause 4 Paws: A Day of Adoption, Awareness & Advocacy!
This year is even better & we’ve added some exciting timed events, in addition to the supply drive!
10:30 am : Wildlife presentation by Hudson Valley Reptile Rescue
11:30: Meet The Rescue organizations
1pm: Pet Story Time with PAW
All Day: Pet Adoptions with Precious Pound Pups and a Meet & Greet with Mellow the Owl
Pet Adoptions are handled by Precious Pound Pups – email Preciouspoundpups@yahoo.com if you are interested in pet adoption.
Columbia County Libraries Association Food and Personal Care Items Drive to Support Local Pantry
October 1st – 31st
New Lebanon Library will collect donations of food and personal care items to support our local food pantry.
No registration required.
Fall Spooktacular Great Give Back Event
October 25th from 11:00 – 2:00
Pumpkins, costumes, food truck, & treats!
Join us for the ultimate family fall fest!
🎃Pumpkin Decorating Contest🎃
Drop off your decorated pumpkin between 11 AM – 12 PM
You all get to vote for the winning pumpkin, which snags a Family Fun Pack
stuffed with awesome gift cards to Town Square Restaurant, Spins Bowling, and Jumpz Trampoline Sports.
Come dressed in your best costumes for our Masquerade Parade🧙♀️Strut your spooky stuff!
🕸️ The Best Family Costume takes home a prize.
We‘re Kicking off our Patterson Food Pantry Holiday Drive. Bring a non-perishable donation to help our community members in need.
Registration suggested at https://pattersonlibrary.org/calendar/
Community Clean Up Day
October 18th from 10:30 -12:00
All Ages
We need volunteers to help us clean up our village. We will provide supplies and point you in the right direction.
Registration not required.
Food Fight – Food Drive
September 1st – October 18th
We’re hosting a food drive for our local food pantry.
Open to all; No registration required
NexTrex Plastic Recycling Challenge
October 18, 2025 – October 17, 2026
For this year’s Great Giveback, Pleasant Valley Library is excited to participate in the NexTrex Community Recycling Challenge, a nationwide program that supports local recycling efforts. We’re working to collect at least 1,000 pounds of soft plastic film and packaging within a 12-month period – and our kickoff is on Great Giveback Day, Saturday, October 18th.
We’re pleased to partner in this endeavor with the Task Force Members of Pleasant Valley Climate Smart, who work to support our local community and government in building a sustainable and balanced climate action program, one step at a time.
If we reach our goal, the library will be awarded a NexTrex bench made from recycled materials, to be placed on our grounds and shared with our community as a lasting symbol of our mutual commitment to sustainability.
Here’s how you can help:
-Starting on Saturday, October 18th, 2025 during our library hours from 10am until 2pm, you can drop off clean, dry plastic film and packaging at the designated collection bin in the library.
(We will continue collecting for the next twelve months whenever we are open, so don’t worry if you can’t make it on the 18th!)
-Items accepted include grocery bags, bread bags, food storage bags, cereal bags, produce bags, ice bags, bottle case overwrap, bubble wrap, plastic shipping envelopes, newspaper sleeves, salt bags, dry cleaning bags, pallet wrap and stretch film, and wood pellet bags.
Collection for the Putnam County SPCA
October 1st – 30th
Patrons may donate the following items:
-Purina Dry Dog Food (any type bag 25 lbs or under)
-Purina Canned Dog Food (Any type)
-Friskies Wet Canned Cat Food (any type)
-Friskies Dry Cat Food (any type bag 25 lbs or under)
-Fancy Feast Wet Canned Cat Food (any type)
-Milk Bone Dog Treats
Paws for a Cause: The Great Giveback Donation Drive for Putnam Humane Society
October 1st – 31st
This October, Reed Memorial Library is proud to take part in The Great Giveback by supporting the Putnam Humane Society. From October 1–30, we’ll be collecting much-needed supplies to help care for animals waiting for their forever homes.
Together, we can show our community’s love for its furry friends and make a big difference, one donation at a time! 🐾💜
Requested items include:
Canine/Feline Purina Pro Plan Shredded Chicken & Dry Rice food
Friskies Pate canned cat food (any flavor)
Canned dog food (no grain free, please)
Non-clumping cat litter
Large Nylabones
Cat toys (like little mice & crinkle balls)
Soft dog treats (no grain free, please)
Chewy.com gift cards
Safe-Paw non-salt/salt-free ice melt
Stretch & Scratch items (stretchandscratch.com)
Paper towels
Large black industrial-size garbage bags
Donations may be dropped off at Reed Memorial Library during regular hours or shipped to Reed Memorial Library 1733 Rt. 6 Carmel, NY 10512 Att: Great Giveback, throughout October. Please note that used items—including blankets and pillows—cannot be accepted, and no food or treats from China, please.
No registration required
Roeliff Jansen Community Library
Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library
Take Me Home Pet Rescue – Shoe Donation
September 19th – November 15th
Donate Your Shoes! Take Me Home Pet Rescue in Milton, NY is working with Funds2Orgs to collect shoes that will be given to developing countries. If we reach our goal and collect 2,500 shoes, the rescue will be awarded $1,000! All Ages.
No Registration Required.
Drop off shoes at the Milton Library.
Be Pawesome: Support the Saugerties Animal Shelter!
October 1st – 18th
For the Great Give Back, we will be collecting donations for the Saugerties Animal Shelter! The shelter is currently in need of wood pellets for kitty litter, dry and wet kitten food, and regular cat litter. Gift cards are also appreciated! Donations can be dropped off at any circulation desk from October 1st-18th.
Coat Drive in Partnership with Stanford Grange #808
October 1st – November 30th
We are proud to once again be partnering with Stanford Grange #808 for a Coat Drive. Coats will be collected during October and November. Community members in need should plan to be at the Stanford Grange on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00am – 12:00pm when the coats will be distributed.
No registration required. Coats may be brought to the Stanford Free Library or placed in the used clothing drop-off shed outside the Stanford Grange Hall.
Communities that Care
October 1st – 31st
During the month of October, Starr Library will be collecting personal care items to help those in need. See signage in the library for a complete list of accepted items.
Anyone is welcome to make a donation.
Food Fight
September 2nd – October 18th
From September 2 to October 18, your local library is firing up the annual Ulster County Food Fight, part of New York State’s Great Give Back community service event. Bring your donations of non-perishable foods to your nearest participating branch—then cheer as local libraries compete to collect the most items for our community food pantries.
The Stone Ridge Library is once again a proud drop-off location, so stop by, bring your contributions, and help our shelves overflow with generosity. Together, we can support our neighbors in need and help Stone Ridge shine in this friendly countywide competition!
Registration not required.
Town of Ulster Library supports UCSPCA!
September 1st – October 18th
The Town of Ulster Library is partnering with the UCSPCA from Sept 18- Oct 18 to collect
-small to medium sized bags of dry adult dog food
-small cases of adult and kitten wet food
Registration is not required, anyone can donate.
We will also be making dog toys on Oct 7, 2025 at 4pm with children ages 4-12 years old. Free to attend, registration recommended.
On Oct 9 at 5:30pm, the UCSPCA will be offering a Tween/Teen Game Night based on the shelter animals and will be discussing volunteer opportunities available and what to do if a pet is lost. Free to attend, registration recommended.
Registration for child and tween/teen programs highly recommended.
Valatie Food Bank Drive
October 10th – November 15th
Our library is partnering with the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry to collect non-perishable food items and personal hygiene donations to help our community members in need. Donations can be brought to the library any time during our open hours.