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Area libraries accepting food donations in exchange for fine forgiveness

By WTOP Staff

WASHINGTON — Have library fines? Through the end of the month, people with Montgomery County Public Library fines can bring in food donations to expunge them.

As part of Montgomery County’s Community Service Week, the libraries are accepting canned goods and nonperishable food items to pay for library fines through Oct. 30. One food item brought in will equal $1 off the library fine balance.

All of the donations will be given to Manna Food Center.

MCPL Director Parker Hamilton says the effort helps the community in more ways than one.

“Food for Fines is a great way for people to clear up their outstanding library fines while helping some of our neediest neighbors,” Hamilton said in a news release.

The donations should be shelf-stackable foods such as canned fruit, vegetables and meats, dried beans, brown rice, quinoa, low sugar cereals, baby food, formula and vegetarian items.

Anyone can donate food items at the library during the drive — not just those with library fines.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg, Virginia is also participating in Food for Fines, from Oct. 18-24.

Food for Fines donations cannot be used toward fees for lost or damaged materials, collection agency fees, lost card fees or other charges.

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