Help support food bank at library
By LuAnn Morgan
Contributing writer
As the economy and holiday season tighten budgets, library customers can reduce their library fees while helping friends and neighbors who struggle to afford food.
Mid-Columbia Libraries is holding a “Food for Fines” campaign through Dec. 15 to benefit local food banks during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
Library customers can reduce their overdue fines by $1 for each donated food item, up to a limit of $10 for 10 food items.
“We have a box here for food items,” Corinne Field, community library supervisor, said. “All food donated here will stay in our community.”
Food will be accepted for fines on overdue returned library items only — not for collection, processing or replacement fees for lost items. Charitable food donations beyond the $10 for 10 item limit will be accepted but will not apply toward library fines.
Field said there aren’t a lot of overdue fines in Othello, but sometimes people forget to return their books or movies on time.
“Many don’t realize — or remember — fines for movies are more than for books,” she said.
Overdue books carry a 20 cents per day fine; movies are $1 per day in late fees.
Donated food items must be non-perishable, labeled, undamaged and unexpired. Homemade goods will not be accepted.
Customers can donate food at all 11 Mid-Columbia Libraries branches. Food donated at each library will stay local to benefit the community in which the food is collected.
Food bank beneficiaries include Othello Food Bank, 2nd Harvest Tri-Cities, Basin City Help Services, Benton City Food Bank, Connell Food Bank (includes the Kahlotus community) and Jubilee Ministries Prosser Food Bank.
“We join libraries across the nation in hosting ‘Food for Fines’ drives to generate goodwill in our communities and to provide local charities and food banks with increased supplies during their busiest times of the year,” Kyle Cox, administrative services director for MCL, said. “‘Food for Fines’ allows repayment in a way that does the most good for neighbors.”
For details, visit www.midcolumbialibraries.org or stop by the Othello Community Library at the corner of First and Main.
“I really like the idea of people bringing in food,” Field said. “That’s sweet.”
Short URL: http://othellooutlook.com/?p=6585
Posted by LuAnn Morgan
on Nov 24 2009. Filed under Community.
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