Finger Lakes Library System
Public libraries of Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins Counties
Below are libraries in the Finger Lakes Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2023! 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.
Apalachin Library Sock Drive
October 2nd-21st from 10:00am-2:00pm
All ages
We’re putting out a call for new socks (in all sizes from infant to adult) to be collected for local charities.
Registration is not required, we will happily accept new socks from any donor who wishes to participate!
Giving Thanks for our Neighbors in the Southern Cayuga Community
October 2nd-21st
All ages
The two libraries located in the Southern Cayuga School District (Aurora and Hazard) will be supporting our neighbors through donations to the King Ferry Food Pantry. They have requested donations of pie filling and pudding mixes in addition to any monetary gifts in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday.
No registration required
Halloween Costume Swap
October 10th-24th
All ages
The Candor Free Library will be hosting a Halloween Costume Swap. Starting Tuesday, October 10th, people can drop off their clean, no-longer-needed, and/or outgrown Halloween costumes and accessories. The items can either be left in our lobby or given directly to us during the hours we’re open (which are listed on our website). Donations can be brought in until Saturday, October 14th. We’ll get everything sorted and organized so people can start “shopping” on Tuesday, October 17th through Tuesday, October 24th. Please know that you don’t have to donate a costume to be able to take one and any remaining items will be donated to another organization that can use them. Thank you for supporting this community project.
No registration required
Edith B. Ford Memorial Library
Nourish the Body, Warm the Heart
October 2nd-21st
All ages
We will collecting items to share with community members. Please donate non-perishable items for the local food pantry. We will also accept clean, gently used hats and gloves in good condition.
No registration required
Donation Drive for the SPCA of Tompkins County
September 26th – October 20th
All ages
As a library system, we are closed to the public so we are asking staff to donate items from the SPCA’s “Urgently Needed Items” list. If a member of the public would like to donate, they can email jshonk@flls.org.
No registration required
Giving Thanks for our Neighbors in the Southern Cayuga Community
October 2nd-21st
All ages
The two libraries located in the Southern Cayuga School District (Aurora and Hazard) will be supporting our neighbors through donations to the King Ferry Food Pantry. They have requested donations of pie filling and pudding mixes in addition to any monetary gifts in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday.
No registration required
Clothes for Kids
October 1st-30th from 1:00-7:00pm
We will be taking donations of new clothing for the nurse at Cincinnatus Central School District.
Call the library for suggested items and sizes 607-863-4300
Call the library for suggested items and sizes 607-863-4300
The Great Give Back
October 2nd-28th
All ages
The Lamont Memorial Free Library will be holding two collection drives during the month of October. The first drive is personal care items for the McGraw Community Food Pantry. The list of requested items can be found on the library’s website, www.lamontlibrary.org
The second drive is hats and mittens for CAPCO Family Essentials. These items can be store bought or homemade.
Donations to either of these drives can be made during library hours.
No registration required
Be a HERO and support the SPCA!
October 2nd-31st
All ages
We are collecting items for the SPCA in Cortland County. Their wishlist includes dog and cat food, cardboard cat scratchers, cat toys, used blankets and sheets, used towels and washcloths, pill pockets, squeeze cheese, peanut butter, easy walk harnesses, slip leads. Please bring your items to Peck Memorial Library when the library is open. Our hours are listed on our website.
No registration required
Fill the Food Pantry
October 1st-21st
All ages
Phillips Free Library will be collecting food items for our food pantry from October 1-21. Each person who brings 5 non-perishable and not expired food items will receive a ticket to drop off at a participating Homer business. During the week of October 22nd a name will be drawn and that person will win a $25 gift card to the business where they entered their card. There is no limit on how many times you can enter. A list of participating businesses is available at the library.
No registration required
Port Byron Fire Department Christmas Toy Drive
September 21st – October 21st
All ages
Port Byron Library will be collecting unwrap, new toys for the Port Byron Fire Department’s Annual Community Christmas Party. These toys will be given to children 12 and under who reside within the Port Byron School District.
No registration required, all persons are welcome to donate a toy.
New Socks & Underwear Drive
September 23rd – October 21st
All ages
We will be holding a new sock & underwear drive for CHILDREN to benefit the Seneca County Children’s Committee. Please consider donating brand new children’s socks and/or underwear to help out local families. Donations may be dropped off anytime during open hours.
No registration required
Community Day
October 21st from 11:00am-1:00pm
All ages
Meet local community groups doing great work, and find out how you can get involved!
No registration required
Waterloo Library & Historical Society
Friends Giving Back To Our Community!
October 16th-20th from 5:00-7:00pm
All ages (focus on children)
Bring items to the Weedsport Free Library to support our local Brutus – Sennett Food Pantry. Items are listed below. Come enjoy cider, donuts and do a craft with other library friends! The fall festivities will be set up in the main library and no registration is required. The Brutus – Sennett Food Pantry is available to service families, the young, the old or anyone in need that resides in the Brutus or Sennett area.
Needed Items: soups, jarred pickles, box pie mix, canned fruit pie filling, pudding, graham cracker pie crust, and fruit juice boxes.
No registration required
Click here to see past GGB events in Finger Lakes Library System.