Southern Tier Library System

Public libraries of Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates Counties

Below are libraries in the Southern Tier 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.

Addison Public Library

Collecting for the SPCS
October 1st-20th
All ages
The SPCA helps so many lost and unwanted animals to find their furever home. We are ‘giving back’ by hosting a collection of supplies that the SPCA can use as they do their work. Collecting items until October 20.
No registration required

Alfred Box of Books Library

Socktober
September 22nd – October 21st
All ages
The Alfred Box of Books Library is collecting new packaged socks to donate to the Genesis House of Olean. Socks must be brand new and in unopened packaging. Socks in all sizes (men, women and children) are accepted. The Genesis House of Olean provides secure, temporary housing and supportive services for homeless families and adults.
No registration required

Almond 20th Century Club Library

Food Drive
October 1st-31st
All ages
Almond Library is collecting non-perishable food items throughout the month of October to donate to a local food pantry!
No registration required

Belfast Public Library

Domestic Violence Shelter Donation
September 1st-30th
All ages
We are collecting items to help ACCORD’s Domestic Violence Shelter. New items only please. Clothing and personal items needed for women and children.
No registration required

Halloween Costume Drive and Giveaway
September 11th – October 28th
Kids and Teens
The Belfast Public Library is collecting new or gently used Halloween costumes and accessories for our costume drive and giveaway. Accepting donations right up until Oct 28th. Giveaway will take place Oct. 21st-28th during open hours.
No registration required, this is on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Benedek Memorial Library

Great Give Back for the Animals of the Finger Lakes SPCA, Bath, NY
October 2nd-21st from 11:00am-1:00pm
All ages
The Benedek Memorial Library will be doing a pet food and supplies drive for the Finger Lakes SPCA, Bath, NY. Please drop off pet supplies at the library in the Mary Helen Joint Meeting House, the corner of Main St. and McCoy St. Savona, NY during library hours. Check out website https://benedekmemoriallibrary.org for father details.
No registration required

Chemung County Library District Big Flats Branch

The Great Give Back Food and Supplies
October 16th-20th from 12:00-5:00pm
All ages
The Big Flats Library will be accepting food donations and various pantry, personal care(new & unopened), cleaning & laundry, paper products, clothing & personal items the week of 10/16/23-10/20/23. Donations will support the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and Catholic Charities of Chemung County.
No registration required

Cohocton Public Library

Winter Clothing Drive
September 25th – October 14th
Donation Drop-Off locations will be available on www.cohoctonpubliclibrary.org. The clothing giveaway will take place at the Cohocton Public Library.
All ages
This year the Cohocton Public Library will be hosting a winter clothing drive. We will be collecting new or lightly used winter clothing items including coats, jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves. Please be sure clothing is free of rips and stains and that all zipper are in working condition. Donations will be collected at the library as well as other drop-off locations from September 25th through October 11th. On October 13th and 14th the donated clothes will be available for giveaway at the library. Any community member is welcome to take what is needed.
No registration required

Cuba Circulating Library

Drive for Domestic Violence Shelter
September 1st – October 31st
All ages
The Cuba Circulating Library is gathering donations for the Accord Corporation Domestic Violence Shelter. We are accepting personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, floss, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hairbrushes, combs, and hairspray. We are also accepting clothing donations such as Pjs, T-shirts, leggings, underwear, and sports bras. Sizes needed range from newborn to adult xxl. Thank you!
No registration required

David A. Howe Public Library

Stock the Salvation Army
October 7th-21st from 11:00am-1:00pm
All ages
We are kicking off this year’s Great Give Back effort by tying it with our Annual Fall Fest. We will have a bounce house for kids to enjoy if they bring a shelf stable item to donate to our local Salvation Army Food Pantry. Our Fall Fest is a two hour, outdoor celebration of all things Fall for patrons of all ages to enjoy. We will continue to collect food donations during open hours at our library through October 21st.
No registration required

Dundee Library

Winter Clothing Donation
October 2nd-21st
All ages
Donate slightly used winter clothing of all sizes including mittens, scarves, hats, boots, coats. Drop off at the library during open hours beginning on October 2 until October 21. Donations will be given to Our Town ROCKS for distribution.
No registration required

Dutton S. Peterson Library

Composting Workshop
October 20th from 4:30-6:00pm
All ages
Ever wondered how to transform kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil? Find out how in this workshop where participants will learn the basics of starting your own system. We’ll cover what can and can’t be composted, setting up a bin at home, and maintaining your compost to be sure it breaks down correctly. Each person will go home with a kitchen container, which can be decorated at the library.
Please register beforehand by calling the library: 607-594-2791

Hornell Public Library

The Great Give Back 2023: Heartfelt Messages for Elders
October 9th-24th
All ages
Join Us for a Heartwarming Event: The Great Give Back! We invite you to be part of a truly special event as we spread joy, love, and warmth to the residents of our local nursing home. It’s time to make a difference in their lives with our “Heartfelt Messages for Elders” program!
What’s It All About? We believe in the power of small gestures that have a big impact. Join us as we gather to create beautiful, handcrafted cards filled with messages of love and encouragement. These cards will bring smiles, comfort, and a sense of connection to the wonderful individuals residing in our nursing home.For more information, contact hornellpubliclibrary@gmail.com or call 607-324-1210
Let’s make this day truly unforgettable with love, creativity, and compassion.
No registration required

Mabel D. Blodgett Memorial Library

Bridges to Brain Injury/Wildlife Rockstars (Farmington NY) needed items drive
October 1st-21st
All ages
Helping people and animals. Drop off any of these items at the library during business hours.
(Mon.3-7, Tues. 9-1, Wed. 3-7, Fri. 1-5 and Sat. 9-1.)
Gently used blankets and/ or towels, Paper Towels rolls, Bird toys and perches, Cat and/or Dog toys, newspaper, money donations. (If giving a check please make it payable to “Bridges to Brain Injury”) We will be collecting these items through Oct. 21, 2023. Then the library will take a trip to Farmington, NY and present these items to “Bridges to Brain Injury/Wildlife Rockstars”.
No registration required

Montour Falls Memorial Library

Basics of Composting Open House
October 18th from 4:00-6:30pm
Ages 18+
Together with Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library and Watkins Glen Public Library, the Montour Falls Library will offer The Basics of Composting Open House on Wednesday, October 18th at 4pm – 6:30pm. This event is an opportunity for the public to learn what composting is, why composting is important, and the fundamentals of composting your food scraps. Cornell Cooperative Extension Environmental/Natural Resources educator Ryan Staychock will be available to help residents learn about the basics of composting. Participants can see and contrast a common compost bin that is available at retail stores with a home-made compost bin. Educational materials will be available to take home. This program encourages any participants to attend at a time convenient for them between the hours of 4:00pm and 6:30pm to ask questions and engage in friendly conversation about composting because Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.
Registration is not required.

Prattsburg Free Library

The Great Coat Exchange
October 3rd-31st from 11:00am-6:00pm
All ages
It’s that time of year again. Time to break out our winter gear. Have a coat that is to small? Please consider donating it at the Prattsburg Free Library for The Great Coat Exchange event. Residents in need will be able to choose one (1) coat per person.
Donated coats accepted from all. Prattsburgh residents get priority pick until October 22nd.

Pulteney Free Library

Stock the Food Pantry
Ongoing
All ages
We are collecting items for the Prattsburgh Food Pantry.
No registration required

Rushford Free Library

The Great Give Back
September 20th – October 21st
All ages
Our project will focus on the Rushford Food Pantry, a vital program in our town. How can you help?
Please join the library in collecting nonperishable food items and toiletries through Saturday, October 21st. Donations can be dropped off at the library or at the Barefoot Quilter.
No registration required

Southeast Steuben County Library

The Great Give Back
October 2nd-21st
All ages
Collecting new (purchased or handmade) mittens, gloves, hats, and socks of all sizes for ProAction of Steuben and Yates, Inc. to distribute to the families that they serve.
No registration required

Steele Memorial Library

Helping Monarch Butterflies
October 24th from 3:00-4:00pm
All ages
As our Great Give Back, Elaine Smith, Executive Director of Tanglewood Nature Center, will lead you through the life of a monarch butterfly- from egg to adult and back again. We will discuss monarch migration and plantings to attract monarchs. You will also get the opportunity to learn how to grow your own butterfly from egg to adult in the Summer of 2024. This program is open to all-ages. Wrapping up the program is a Milkweed seed giveaway to grow in your own space and support Monarch populations in our area. Seeds will be on a first-come-first-serve basis.
No registration required

Watkins Glen Public Library

Compost Theatre with Lisa Fernandez
October 21st from 10:00-11:00am
Children/youth
Lisa Fernandez is a local master composter that will present a version of her Compost Theatre. This interactive program features song, dance, and education about composting for the better of the environment. This is a collaborative program with Watkins Glen Public Library, Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, and the Montour Falls Library.
No registration required

Whitesville Public Library

Large Print Books to Local Nursing Homes
October 13th from 9:00am-3:00pm
A board member is an aide at a nursing home. She stated a need for large print books for the residents.
No registration required

Click here to view past GGB events from Southern Tier Library System

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