Public libraries of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam and Ulster Counties
Below are libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2026! 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.
PSA for Kidney Awareness & Fishkill Food Pantry
9/1/26 – 10/17/26 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
For all ages
Blodgett Memorial Library will be collecting food items for the Fishkill Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted through the months of September and October. Blodgett Memorial Library will also be featuring a video with an overview of the benefits of being a kidney donor.
No registration required
Pack a Little Comfort
9/1/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
This year, Catskill Public Library is participating in the Great Give Back by collecting items to create comfort kits for individuals undergoing dialysis treatment. We’re inviting our community to help us bring a little comfort, kindness, & encouragement to someone who may need it.
You can help by:
— Shopping our Amazon Wishlist* & having your donation shipped directly to the library
— Writing a note of encouragement
—Helping pack comfort kits at our packing program
— Spreading the word!
📍 Drop-Off: Catskill Public Library, 1 Franklin Street Catskill, NY 12414
🛒 Amazon Wishlist: https://a.co/0dfrnXni
All donated items will be assembled into comfort kits at our packing party on October 17th & delivered to local dialysis centers with help from the National Kidney Foundation.
💙 Every small act of kindness can bring a little more comfort to someone’s day.
This program is open to all and no registration is required.
*We will not be accepting donations unless they were purchased from the Amazon Wishlist. The items on the wish list have been carefully curated for dialysis patients and have been approved by the National Kidney Foundation.
This program is open to all and no registration is required.
Film: “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” – Local volunteer fire companies need you.
10/16/2026 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
For adults
The Claverack Free Library will be hosting a documentary film about volunteer fire fighters. Local fire departments will be available after for a discussion and to answer questions.
Registration is not required – unless you need childcare.
East Fishkill Community Library
Food Fight! Dutchess County vs. Ulster County Libraries
9/2/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
We’re collecting non-perishable food, hygiene products and baby care items for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
This year, we’ve partnered with all Dutchess County libraries in a “Food Fight” against Ulster County’s libraries. Let’s see which library’s patrons can donate the most!
We’ll gratefully accept donations any time we are open, count them, then pass them to the SVDP for distribution to local families in need. You can visit the SVDP website: https://svdpfoodpantry.org/ for more information about their efforts to battle food insecurity in our community.
No registration required
Food Fight! Dutchess County vs. Ulster County Libraries
9/2/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
As part of the Great Give Back, Ulster and Dutchess County libraries are holding an inter-county 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.
Elting is in it to win it for our community! Please help us by donating non-perishable food and personal hygiene items. Check out our list of recommended items on our website: eltinglibrary.org
We fight for the Family of New Paltz! Family of New Paltz provides a variety of services for the community, including emergency food, crisis intervention, emergency short-term counseling, information and referral, and Emergency Housing Services. For more information about their functions and services, please visit their website: https://www.familyofwoodstockinc.org/emergency-services-hotline-walk-in-centers/family-of-new-paltz/
No registration required
The Great Give Back! Local Animal Rescues!
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
We will be collecting animal supplies for local animal rescue efforts.
Registration is not required
Hunter Public Library
“Sock”tober
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
For all ages
The Great Give Back “Food Fight”
9/2/26 – 10/17/26
Program Age Group: Adults
Dutchess and Ulster libraries are competing to see who can collect the most food for their local distribution centers.
No registration required
The Hunter Public Library collects “NEW” socks, for all ages and genders, to be given to the Greene County Community Action to support homeless & women’s shelters in Greene County. Socks can be dropped off any time the library is open. Monday -Friday: 11 to 5, Saturday: 11-4, Closed Sunday.
No registration required
Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library
Community Clothing Drive & Free Community Boutique
9/1/26 – 10/31/26
For all ages
Help us make a difference!
Beginning in September, Kent Public Library will be collecting new and gently used clothing for our upcoming FREE Community Boutique this October.
We are accepting:
👕 Shirts & Tops
👖 Pants & Jeans
👗 Dresses & Skirts
🧥 Coats & Jackets
👔 Suits & Professional Wear
🧣 Hats, Scarves & Accessories
Sizes Needed:
Adults • Teens • Children • Toddlers • Babies
📍 Drop-Off Location: IN SEALED BAGS ON BACK PORCH
🕒 During Regular Library Hours
Please Donate Only:
✓ Clean, gently used, wearable clothing
✓ New clothing
We Cannot Accept:
✗ Used Shoes
✗ Used Socks
✗ Used Underwear
✗ Stained, torn, or damaged items
All donated clothing will be washed, sorted, and displayed in our FREE Community Boutique this October. Any items not selected will be donated to a local charity.
No registration required
Mahopac Public Library
The Great Give Back: “Share the Warmth” Winter Accessories Drive
10/12/26 – 10/26/26
For all ages
Patrons can donate newly purchased hats, scarves, gloves and mittens in children’s and adult sizes, for community members in need. Collection boxes will be placed in the MPL lobby.
MPL is partnering with the Lake Mahopac Rotary Club who will distribute the winter accessories during their annual coat drive.
The MPL lobby is open during regular library hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30am-8:00pm, Friday 9:30am-7:00pm, Saturday 9:30am-3:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm
No registration required
Cause 4 Paws
10/7/2026 (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
For all ages
A day for awareness & advocacy, Cause 4 Paws is a summer-long pet & wildlife rescue supply drive that culminates in a day of celebration! Meet the local organizations that devote their time to pet & wildlife rescue efforts. On-site there will be rescue animals to meet, family friendly activities, and refreshments. There will be an offsite FREE rabies clinic from 5pm-7pm at the Haines Falls Firehouse, which you can register for by calling Greene County Public Health at 518-719-3600 option 1
Registration is not required
Morton Memorial Library & Community House
1. Great Give Back Food Fight
9/2/26 – 10/17/26 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Morton in conjunction with Dutchess and Ulster County Libraries
For all ages
Morton Competes with Other Mid-Hudson Libraries in a Food Fight!
Help Dutchess County win the Food Fight with your donations of non-perishable (and non-expired) food items for local food pantries. Sounds like a messy fight, but this is a clean competition with other libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System.
With your help, we can help to beat hunger!
Please bring money or food items to Morton for us to donate to the Church of the Messiah and Rhinebeck Reformed Church. If we donate the most, we will get bragging rights congratulating us (and you) for being the most generous library county.
When you visit the library, simply put your non-perishable items in the containers.
(There will be a container on the porch by the front door when we are closed.)
Thanks for your help in this worthy fight!
No registration required
2. Screening of “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat”
10/15/26 (6:30 – 8:00)
For all ages
We are thrilled to partner with the Rhinecliff Volunteer Fire Company to bring you this amazing film. “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat follows the inspiring journey of the most remarkable neighbors whose help you hope you never need – volunteer firefighters – as they encounter heart-breaking challenges and exhilarating triumphs to fulfill a single mission: serving their community. Heart-warming, humorous, and thrilling, this sweeping portrait of bravery will capture your heart and inspire.”
There will be a Q&A after the film with members of the Rhinecliff Volunteer Fire Company.
Ulster County vs Dutchess County Food Fight
9/2/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
The Great Give Back food fight between Ulster and Dutchess County Libraries, a food fight that everyone wins.
Non-perishable food donations
No registration required
Food Fight! Dutchess vs. Ulster County Libraries: For a Good Cause
9/2/2026 – 10/17/2026
For all ages
For the Great Give Back this year, Pleasant Valley Library, along with other Dutchess County Libraries, is competing in a friendly Food Drive challenge against Ulster County Libraries! Patrons may bring in unexpired non-perishables and personal care items any time our library is open. Whichever county has the most donated items by Great Give Back Day October 17th wins!
Please place all non-perishable (and non-expired) food items and personal hygiene items for donation in the designated boxes inside the library.
After counting, items will be either placed into the Community Pantry within the Library or donated to the Pleasant Valley Food Pantry on Martin Road.
Thank you for helping us fight against food insecurity and hunger!
No registration required
Food Drive: The Great American Give Back
9/9/2026 – 10/17/2026
For all ages
The Great Community Give Back, held on October 17, is a day of participating in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. In celebration of this day, the Library will be partnering with other Ulster County libraries to collect nonperishable food items from now until October 17. Items dropped off at the Library will be donated to the town’s local food pantry in time for the holidays.
No registration required. No restrictions.
1. Halloween Costume Swap
10/17/2026 (12:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
For all ages
The Costume Swap is a win for both budgets and the environment. Participants can refresh their Halloween looks without the expense of purchasing new costumes, declutter their closets for a good cause, keep textiles out of landfills, and foster a culture of reuse within our community.
Starting October 10th, community members can bring gently used costumes and accessories of all sizes during regular library hours and get a ticket for each costume donated.
The collection period runs through the start of the Costume Swap at 12:30 pm on October 17th, an afternoon of costume browsing and selection, completely free for all participants.
Costumes for all ages are welcome. Please ensure donated items are clean and in good repair. Any leftover costumes will be donated to local charities.
No registration required
2. Food Fight! Dutchess County vs. Ulster County Libraries
9/2/2026 – 10/17/2026
For all ages
We’re collecting food, hygiene products and baby care items for our community. Donations can be made to the community fridge and pantry located inside the library.
This year, we’ve partnered with all Dutchess County libraries in a “Food Fight” against Ulster County’s libraries. Let’s see which library’s patrons can donate the most!
Food Fight
9/2/26 – 10/17/26 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
For all ages
Non-perishable food donations
No registration required
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
Adults
Protecting Putnam’s Animals: The Policing Side of Compassion
Protecting Putnam’s Animals: The Policing Side of Compassion
This October, Reed Memorial Library invites the community to participate in the Great Giveback, a month-long collection drive benefiting the Putnam County SPCA.
Many people are surprised to learn that the Putnam County SPCA is not a government agency, part of the Sheriff’s Department, a New York State agency, or affiliated with or funded by the ASPCA. It is a private, independent nonprofit organization responsible for enforcing animal cruelty laws throughout Putnam County.
Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Putnam County SPCA investigates reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect; responds to emergencies; gathers evidence; and works alongside local law enforcement agencies to protect animals and the public.
The organization receives some funding from Putnam County, but it covers only a portion of what is needed to operate. Like other local nonprofit organizations, the Putnam County SPCA depends heavily on donations, fundraising, grants, and community support to continue its work.
Its recent partnership with Mark43 provides professional public-safety technology for dispatching, case reporting, records management, evidence tracking, identifying recurring patterns, and collaborating more effectively with other law enforcement agencies. However, the technology and resources required to support these investigations come with ongoing operational costs.
Throughout October, Reed Memorial Library will be collecting: cleaning supplies,
office and operational supplies, gas and office-supply gift cards, monetary donations
Please note: This is not a pet-supply collection. We will not be accepting pet beds, blankets, cat litter, toys, or other pet supplies.
Donations may be dropped off at Reed Memorial Library throughout the entire month of October. Monetary contributions may also be made directly to the Putnam County SPCA:
Putnam County SPCA – How You Can Help: You can also support the Putnam County SPCA by purchasing needed items directly through its official wish lists:
Amazon Wish List
Chewy Wish List
Please note: Items purchased through these wish lists are shipped directly to the Putnam County SPCA.
Every donation—big or small—helps ensure that the Putnam County SPCA can continue responding when animals are in need, investigating cruelty, supporting local families, and serving the residents of Putnam County.
Join us this October as we support the people behind every rescue.
Roeliff Jansen Community Library
Film screening and Recruitment Event: “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat“
10/10/26 (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
For all ages
The library will be hosting a film screening of “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat,” on the important role that volunteer firefighters play in our communities. Representatives from local fire departments hope to be on hand to answer questions.
No registration is required
Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library
1. Food Fight
9/2/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
Food drive to benefit local communities and food pantries as part of the Ulster & Dutchess Counties Food Fight. Give what you can, take what you need.
No registration required
2. Take Me Home Pet Rescue Shoe Donation
9/2/26 – 10/15/26
For all ages
Take Me Home Pet Rescue is working with Funds2Orgs to collect gently used shoes that will be given to third world countries. We are accepting new or gently used in pairs. No holes! No boxes! Our goal is to fill 100 bags, each containing 25 pairs of shoes. If we achieve our goal, our rescue will be awarded $1,000!
No registration is required
3. Books Through Bars
9/14/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
We are collecting books to promote literacy and education in prisons. Books will be delivered to the non-profit organization for distribution in the Hudson Valley and throughout New York State. Books must be paperback & in good or new condition.
No highlighting, underlining, margin notes, stains, or spiralbound.
No registration is required
4. Winter Clothes Exchange & Donation
10/1/26 – 12/23/26
For all ages
Drop off hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and coats. Items can be new or gently used, clean and in good condition with no holes or stains.
Pick up you what need. All items remaining will be donated to local community groups.
No registration is required
The Great Give Back: Outdoor Community Yoga Class
10/3/26 (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Age: 13+
As part of The Great Give Back, libraries in Ulster and Dutchess Counties are facing off in a friendly competition! The goal is to fill up the shelves of local food pantries. To help us achieve that goal, certified yoga teacher Barbara Eichin will lead the community in a special pop-up outdoor yoga class.
The cost to participate? Just bring non-perishable food items, individually-wrapped personal hygiene products, or simply donate cash. All proceeds go to support local food pantries. Help us win the fight!
Registration is helpful, but not required. Click here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=3635&BranchID=1000003128&Branch=Outside&EventID=598107&PK=
Great Give Back – Ulster Immigrant Defense Network
9/2/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
The Town of Ulster Public library is collecting food and other requested items for the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network. The Immigrant Defense Network has requested the donation of items such as powdered baby formula (specifically Enfamil yellow and purple cans), bags of black beans, and bags of rice. We will also be collecting any other non-perishable food items. Our donation bin is located just inside the entrance of the library during normal operating hours.
No registration required
Ulster County Food Fight!
9/1/26 – 10/17/26 (10:00 AM- 6:00 PM)
For all ages
As part of the Great Give Back, Ulster County libraries are bringing back their annual food collection contest! This year it’s Ulster County libraries vs. Dutchess County libraries. Which county will prevail? The common goal is to fill up the shelves of local food pantries and to put an end to hunger in our communities!
Bring your non-perishables to the Library, and thank you!
No registration required.