Public libraries of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties
Below are libraries in the Mid York 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 for past GBB events from the Mid York Library System
1. Baby Hats for Oneida Health Hospital Knit Along
10/3/2026 (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
For all ages
The knitters and crocheters at Canastota Public Library will make and donate baby hats
for Oneida Health Hospital to use in their maternity ward. This program encourages
patrons of all skill levels to make as many hats as they can. During this special program,
experienced knitters and crocheters will be on hand to help beginners learn and hone their
skills. All hats will be donated to Oneida Health Hospital at the end of the month.
Registration is not required.
2. DIY Dog Toys for Local Animal Shelters
10/13/2026 (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
Ages 10+
Join us as we create engaging dog toys out of recycled materials. Participants will work on repurposing materials such as old t-shirts and tennis balls to create a simple, yet fun,
activity for dogs in our local animal shelters.
Registration required.
3. Metzger Mile Cleanup
10/17/2026 (1:00 PM – 2:15 PM)
For all ages
Volunteers from Canastota Public Library will pick up garbage along the Metzger Mile
Trail, weather permitting. Community volunteers are welcome to join us in beautifying
this walking path. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided, along with free apple cider and donuts at the library after we finish.
Registration is not required.
Food Drive to benefit the Remsen Methodist Church’s Blessings Food Pantry
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
All ages
The Remsen Library will host a food drive throughout the month of October 2026, collecting donations to benefit the Blessings Food Pantry at Remsen Methodist Church. Community members are invited to bring donations to the library any time during regular business hours over the course of the month of October. Items being collected include non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products.
No registration required
Give Back This October: Support the Boonville Fire Department
10/1/26 – 10/31/26 (10:00 AM – 5:00PM)
For all ages
Give Back This October: Support the Boonville Fire Department!
Join us at the Erwin Library and Institute all month long for our Give Back Day Event as we support our local heroes at the Boonville Fire Department! Our volunteer firefighters dedicate their time, energy, and care to keeping our community safe year-round. Throughout October, stop by the library to make a monetary donation in support of their essential work. Every contribution, big or small, helps keep our local department strong. Drop in today and show your appreciation for Boonville’s finest!
No registration required.
Food Drive to benefit the Ilion-Frankfort Food Pantry
10/1/2026 – 10/17/2026
For all ages
The Frankfort Free Library will be collecting donations to benefit the Ilion-Frankfort Food Pantry. Community members are invited to bring donations to the library any time during regular business hours October 1st through October 16th. On October 17th, items may be brought to Halloweentown on Main St. Non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products will be accepted.
Registration is not required.
Emergency Supplies Great Giveback
10/5/2026 – 10/17/2026
For all ages
From October 5 through October 17, we’re collecting emergency preparedness items to donate to our neighbors through Country Pantry. Consider donating new flashlights and batteries, bandages, antibiotic ointment, first aid kits, small emergency foil blankets, whistles, instant ice packs, hand warmers, and single use toothbrushes. Stop by or check our website to get a shopping list, take it to the store on your next trip, and bring the items back by Friday, October 17. We’ll donate everything to Country Pantry to distribute to local families in need. This project is part of The Great Giveback, a day of community service for public libraries and part of our Engaged Citizen Challenge.
Registration is not required. Donated items will be dropped off at the library over the course of 2 weeks. Donations will be delivered to our local food pantry, Country Pantry, after the two weeks, or as needed if we run out of storage space.
Food & Hygiene item drive
10/16/26 – 10/17/26 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
For all ages
Donate shelf-stable food & hygiene items for our food pantry & get library swag!
No registration required
Prospect Free Library
Supporting Veteran’s Outreach
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
For all ages
Prospect Free Library is collecting personal hygiene article for all ages of children and adults throughout the month of October. The items will be donated to the Veterans Outreach Center in Utica NY.
Registration not required