Finger Lakes Library System
Public libraries of Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins Counties
In the coming months the libraries from the Finger Lakes 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 see past GGB events in Finger Lakes Library System.
Weekend Backpack Program
October 6th – 31st
Elementary school children
The Apalachin Library will be collecting non-perishable food for a local elementary school weekend backpack program that provides children in need with food for the weekend.
No registration is necessary; items will be collected at the Apalachin Library.
Giving to King Ferry Food Pantry
October 1st – 31st
The Hazard and Aurora Libraries have a collaborative relationship with the King Ferry Food Pantry and support them throughout the year with donations of food and on-site activities which support literacy in our community. For this year’s fall collection, in conjunction with “The Great Give Back” the food pantry has asked us to focus on collecting child-friendly fruit cups. Donations can be dropped off at either library throughout the month of October.
No registration is required. All community members are encouraged to participate in order to support our neighbors.
Great Give Back: Compassion & Connection
October 1st – November 1st
Cortland Free Library will be collecting donations of various items (a list will be provided) for RHI’s support to those in need within the community. Your thoughtful contributions can brighten someone’s day and remind them they are not alone.
No registration needed. Donations can be brought to the library.
Edith B. Ford Memorial Library
Great Give Back- Restock the Hygiene Closet
October 14th – 18th
We have has a busy summer and our Hygiene Closet is running low on essential supplies. We are in dire need of shampoo, Conditioner, body wash, baby items (especially size 1 and 2 diapers), body wash and hair brushes.
Our hygiene closet is free and open to anyone in the community. Supplies can be dropped off any time during normal library hours.
SPCA Donation Drive
September 17th – October 17th
We are supporting the SPCA of Tompkins County by collecting donations for urgently needed items.
Program is for system staff only. Members of the public that wish to donate may contact the SPCA of Tompkins County directly.
George P. & Susan Platt Cady Library
Stray Haven Saves
October 1st – 25th
🐾 Stray Haven Saves: A Lifeline for Paws in Need 🐾
Join us for ‘Stray Haven Saves,’ a heartwarming community event celebrating the tireless work of the Stray Haven Human Society. They are always ready to rescue, heal, and rehome animals in need. But they can’t do it alone.
This event is your chance to be part of the mission. Join us for the Cady Library’s Great Give Back as we collect items from Stray Haven’s wish list.
Stray Haven wish list-
-Wet Kitten Food: Pate any brand
-Dry Kitten Food: Purina Kitten Chow
-Wet adult cat food: any brand
-Wet dog food: any brand
-Garbage Bags- both 13 gal and 30 gal
-Bleach
-Laundry Soap
-Paper Towels
-Zip Lock bags
-Hard Super Chewer toy for dogs: Kong, Nylabone, Etc.
Collection will take place from October 1st-25th, whenever the library is open.
Join us on October 25th from 4-6 PM for our Harvest Happenings @ the Cady Library when all the donations will be presented to Stray Haven!
No registration required. Simply drop off your donations at the library between October 1st-25th.
If drop off during library hours isn’t possible, please call or email the library to make alternative arrangements.
Support the Country Acres Animal Shelter
September 22nd – November 7th
Consider donating to show your support for the Country Acres Animal Shelter. Here are a few items they are in need of: Purina One Chicken & Rice Dog food, Martingale Dog Collars, Bleach, Blankets, Towels, Cat Litter, Monetary Donations or Gift Cards. For the full listing of need, you can email director@grotonpubliclibrary.org. For more information, you can call us at 607-898-5055.
Our Great Give Back does not require registration. It is open to Everyone – Anywhere – Anytime! So help us help the animals! Thank you for your support!
Giving to King Ferry Food Pantry
October 1st – 31st
The Hazard and Aurora Libraries have a collaborative relationship with the King Ferry Food Pantry and support them throughout the year with donations of food and on-site activities which support literacy in our community. For this year’s fall collection, in conjunction with “The Great Give Back” the food pantry has asked us to focus on collecting child-friendly fruit cups. Donations can be dropped off at either library throughout the month of October.
No registration is required. All community members are encouraged to participate in order to support our neighbors.
United Presbyterian Church Little Learners
October 1st – 31st
3-4 year olds
We will be collecting cleaning and craft supplies for our local preschool, Little Learners.
Supplies can be dropped off at the library during our open hours.
Great Give Back
October 18th – 25th
Ben’s Place collection of pet supplies for local senior dog sanctuary.
Donate to the Library’s Food Pantry
October 1st – 31st
The Lodi Library Food Pantry is accepting donations of food: canned goods, cereal, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, and hygiene items. These items will be placed on the shelves of our pantry, located inside the library, and free for anyone to take.
Registration is not required
Souper Heroes
September 22nd – October 31st
Peck Memorial Library is collecting canned goods for our local food pantry. You are invited to bring in canned items (that are not beyond their expiration date) to the library during our open hours.
Please do not leave the items outside. Check our website for our open hours!
Fur-Ever Friends Supply Drive
October 1st – 30th
Community members can bring items to the library that the SPCA in Cortland needs to take care of their animals.
Still Serving: Honoring Our Veterans with a Kitchen Collection
October 1st – 18th
We are asking our community to be “Cool” like John Cool and donate the requested kitchen items to help them to “Keep Serving” their members! We are collecting a list of items that the American Legion John Cool Post 257 in Port Byron, New York, have requested to assist them in keeping their membership alive and strong. Like many other rural non-profit organizations across the state, they are facing funding struggles and we want to help them to support their members, many of them veterans, and their mission.
There is no registration required, anyone from anywhere is welcome to help us and donate to this worthy cause! Here is your chance to thank a Veteran!
Tag-A-Long Teddies
September 15th – October 18th
We are asking our library patrons to kindly donate a brand new stuffed animal to our Bluey collection ambulance! Each stuffie will then be given to an anxious patient by North Seneca Ambulance to help ease any fear and comfort them on their ride to the hospital.
No registration required. Patrons who are not local are still welcome to participate! They can do this by scanning the QR code (or clicking the link) on our flyer or website. The link will take them directly to an Amazon wishlist of stuffies- from there you can purchase a stuffie from your own Amazon account but it gets shipped directly to the Seneca Falls Library.
Diaper Drive
October 20th – November 15th
Seymour Public Library will be accepting donations of diapers, pull-ups and wipes for our Great Give Back project. All donated items will given to Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca to support local families in need.
Donations can be dropped off in the library’s Family Space during normal library hours.
Waterloo Library & Historical Society
Seneca County Toy Drive
October 13th – 18th
Toy drive for the Seneca County Christmas Project.
Great Give Back
October 1st – 31st
Elementary age students
Halloween Costume Share. Looking for community members to donate gently used Halloween or new, costumes for the students in the Weedsport Community.
No registration required. District residents only.