Upper Hudson Library System Archived Events
Public libraries of Albany County and Rensselaer County
Below are libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System that participated in The Great Give Back 2021! Return to the previous page for information about what libraries will be participating in GGB 2022. Please contact libraries directly for questions regarding offered programming.
The Great Give Back: Cleaning Supply Donations
October 1-17
Give back to your community by donating cleaning supplies at the library! Supplies will be donated to the Bethlehem Food Pantry.
Donated items can be placed in a donation bin in the library hallway. Donations will be taken from October 1 to October 17.
The Great Give Back: Cards for Older Adults
October 16
3:00-4:00 pm
For all ages
Join us at the library to make cards for local adults living in assisted living homes. We will provide craft supplies to create hand-made cards, you provide the creativity! Write a heartfelt message in the card to brighten someone’s day.
No registration required
The Great Give Back: Cleaning and Hygiene Supply Donations
October 1-29
Give back to your community by donating cleaning and hygiene supplies at the Cohoes Public Library! Supplies will be donated to neighbors in need through the local food bank system during the month of October.
Donated items can be placed in a clearly marked Great Give Back donation box in the library space at the Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza between 10 am and 3 pm Monday through Friday.
It takes a village to keep everyone safe and healthy. Thank you in advance for your support!
PLEASE NOTE: The Cohoes Public Library is located inside the Cohoes Senior Center temporarily. Out of respect for the staff and volunteers who work at this location, we ask that you bring your donated items into the library space during open hours and avoid placing them either outside the entrance to the Senior Center or in their atrium as this is a library sponsored program. Thank you.
Colonie Library (William K. Sanford Town Library)
The Great Give Back: Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
Friday, October 15
3:00-6:00 pm, and
Saturday, October 16
11:00 am-3:00 pm
Our library is joining other libraries across New York State in helping charities on Saturday, October 16, 2021. We have chosen the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and will be accepting donations Friday, October 15th from 3-6pm and Saturday, October 16th from 11am – 3pm. Accepted items include unopened pet food, towels, fleece blankets and more.
East Greenbush Community Library
Quilt a Square for Project Linus
September 3 – October 16
Grab-and-go
For adults
Help East Greenbush Library make a quilt for Project Linus. Project Linus will donate this quilt to a child who needs comfort, is seriously ill or is traumatized. We will be making a pattern called “Log Cabin Variation” that will be sewn together for a scrappy community quilt. You can machine or hand sew your blocks. Fabric & pattern are provided. Please return your completed kit in it’s original bag (labeled ATT: Jody) by October 16 to the Returns Bins at the circulation desk or the drive-thru window at East Greenbush Community Library.
Registration starts August 28th. Register on the event calendar on eglibrary.org or just call us at 518-477-7476. Kits will be available from Friday, September 3rd at our drive-thru window.
Please register before you pick up your kit. One per household. East Greenbush/Schodack and local patrons only, please! Learn more at https://www.projectlinus.org/
Color-A-Smile
Saturday, October 16
10:00 am-2:00 pm
Kids, teens and adults are invited to stop by the library between 10am – 2pm to participate in the 2021 Great Give Back. The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.
This year we are coloring fun Autumn pictures to support Color a Smile, a nonprofit organization that distributes cheerful drawings to senior citizens, our troops overseas, and anyone that would benefit from a bright cheerful masterpiece on their refrigerator door or bulletin board! No registration required.
Pajama and Book Drive
October 16 – November 16
Help support local children in need by purchasing a new set of pajamas and a storybook for the corresponding age and size pajamas purchased. Sizes 6 months to 16 years are needed. Bring your donation to the library beginning October 16th. Tie the pajamas and books together with a ribbon or string to help keep the sets together. Let us know at the library if you need book recommendations for the different age groups!
(518)766-2715 The library is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday 12pm-6pm; Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday 12pm-8pm, and Saturday 10am-12pm. www.nassaufreelibrary.org
Great Give Back: Food Pantry Collection
September 18-October 16
The Poestenkill Library and the Town of Poestenkill will collect items for the local food pantry from September 18 through October 16. Donation bins will be located in both the library and the town offices. While all donations are appreciated, the following items are some of the most requested: sugar, apple juice, baked beans, prepackaged cookies, cheerios, honey nut cheerios, chicken or turkey dressing, coffee, canned fruit, peanut butter, grape jelly, cooking oil, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, hash, macaroni and cheese, canned pasta, vegetables(corn, peas , green beans)., canned potatoes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, dish detergent, laundry detergent, bath soap and deodorant.
Great Give Back – No Sew Blanket Take and Make
September 13 – October 10
Take & Make – pick up/drop off at the library
For all ages
Join the library in giving back to the community! This year we are providing No-Sew Blanket Kits for patrons to make at home. Pick up a kit the week of Sep. 13, work on it yourself or with your family, then return it to the library the week of Oct. 10. Finished blankets will be donated to the local chapter of Project Linus and the Sgt. Henry Johnson Veterans House. Please register for a kit.
Registration is required. Limited to one kit per household. Must be able to pick up supplies and drop off completed blanket to Voorheesville Public Library. https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=VPL&curID=528016&CFID=24136570&CFTOKEN=4ce95125df5130c7-F1D91414-D4AE-528A-5350582DA81E0DE1
2021 Great Give Back
September 30 – October 16
Westerlo Library is participating in The Great Give Back by collecting toiletries for the Hilltowns Community Resource Center.