Volunteering is Patriotic
NYS Libraries Across New York take part in The Great Give Back
(Dansville, NY) – What could we accomplish if we all worked together? Find out during The Great Give Back, a statewide volunteer initiative led by public libraries each October. This year, The Great Give Back is partnering with the New York State Library as part of NY250 to encourage libraries across the state to connect their communities with meaningful volunteer opportunities in support of America Gives.
The Dansville Public Library is pleased to announce a collaboration with several local organizations to provide dignity care supplies to community members.
What: laundry detergent, dryer sheets, diapers (child/adult), wipes (baby/body), feminine hygiene products, deodorant, bed protector pads, disposable gloves, small trash bags, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletry bags, hair combs, nail clippers, razors
When: October 1 – October 31, 2026
Where: Dansville Public Library near the Circulation Desk
But the library can’t do it alone. You can help by donating new, unused items to our collection bin at the library, located near our Circulation Desk.
“The America Gives initiative encourages volunteerism and calls on each of us to step up and help. We’re delighted to see libraries organize opportunities for people to take action in their communities,” said Lauren Moore, New York State Librarian. “By working together, we build social connections and community resilience, a fitting way to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary.”
For the past 10 years, New York State’s public libraries have been organizing volunteer projects to benefit the communities they serve. The Great Give Back was launched by the Suffolk Cooperative Library System in 2017. From assembling and sending packages to U.S. Troops overseas to upcycling animal feed bags into fashionable totes to cleaning up beaches on Long Island, New Yorkers have shown up to have fun, meet their neighbors, and give back to their communities.
New York libraries will support the national America Gives initiative by logging Great Give Back volunteer hours, demonstrating public libraries’ dedication to building resilient communities.
To get involved or if you have questions, contact Megan Clement, Youth Coordinator, at mclement@owwl.org.
The New York State Library’s services, programs, and collections are made possible through federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, please visit nysl.nysed.gov.