Canned goods donations can be used to pay library fines
Forty public libraries in Jefferson County will participate in the fifth annual “Food for Fines,” a drive held in September that allows patrons to pay off up to $10 toward their library fines with donated canned or boxed foods.
One dollar in fines will be waived for each item of donated food. The waived fees apply to fines only. The food drive is open to anyone, even if they do not have overdue materials.
Expiration dates on foods must be visible on all donated food.
The effort, which is being coordinated through the Jefferson County Library Cooperative, comes at a time when area food banks and pantries are running low on donations. The libraries plan to donate goods to United Way Food Bank, Greater Birmingham Ministries and Magic City Harvest. Individual libraries may also decide to donate items to a local church or charity of their choice.