Friday, November 24, 2017

SCL ‘Food for Fines’ to combat hunger

Logo, Sonoma County Library's 'Food for Fines.' Image depicts place setting with fork, plate and spoon. Outline of plate is denoted by representations of books, viewed spine-facing-outward, in varying sizes and colors. Text, printed upon surface area of plate, reads, 'Food for Fines / Donate Food / Clear Your Library Fines. All food collected will be donated to local food banks'

Donation barrels are set up at all branches of Sonoma County Library, for its Food for Fines annual collection drive in partnership with local food banks.

“The Food For Fines program encourages library patrons to return overdue library materials and pay off accrued library fines by donating food to those in need.” That’s according to a recent post by Kathy DeWeese to the SCL blog.

“In 2016, the Food for Fines program collected 5,974 pounds of food for Sonoma County and forgave $6,853 in fines and fees for 574 patrons!”

According to the report, “Food For Fines has two primary goals - to remove barriers to library access due to overdue fines, and to help end hunger in our communities. This is even more important in 2017 with the recent disasters affecting some many. Food For Fines Patrons can give to the community and get their library account back in good standing as we close out the 2017 year.”

Donation barrels will be in place from now until Saturday, Dec. 30, and by donating one unit of food, library patrons can erase ALL fines from past-due items on one account.

In her post, DeWeese emphasizes, food donations cannot be applied toward lost or damaged items, nor to collection agency fees; the food donations will only offset fines for overdue library items.

The full post has details about most-needed items, as well as donation guidelines and restrictions. For more information, contact Teen/Adult Services Librarian Jennifer Duran, 707-546-2265 or jduran@sonoma.lib.ca.us.

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