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
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
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.
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: 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free Rabies Clinic will be off-site at the Town of Hunter Building from 11am- 1pm. Call Greene County Public Health at 518-719-3600 *option 1* to make an appointment
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
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.
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.
Tivoli Free Library