Food for Fines hopes to set new record

Last year, Historic City News reported that more than 18,000 donations of non-perishable food items were collected by the St Johns County Public Libraries in lieu of overdue library fines; and this year, the program looks forward to breaking that record.

The “Food for Fines” program, offers library patrons the opportunity to resolve overdue fines and help those in need this holiday season.

“All donations will be delivered to the St Johns County Food Closet and will be distributed locally to help meet the increased need for meals during the holiday season,” Library Director Debra Rhodes Gibson told local news reporters. “Even if you don’t owe a past due library fine, you are still encouraged to drop off canned foods at any library branch or bookmobile stop.”

Now through January 5, 2013, library staff will credit your library account up to $1 in overdue fines for each sealed, non-expired, non-perishable food item donated.

The donation waivers are for library fines only and cannot be applied to fees for printing, lost items, or for credit against future fines.