Photo by Donna Spearman
The Spokane County Library District (SCLD) will collect food donations in partnership with the 2nd Harvest Food Bank and local food banks for families in need through the “Food For Fines” event.
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the SCLD is bringing back this popular event. “Food for Fines” is a drive that helps you while you help others. How you may ask? By donating non-perishable food, you are not only contributing aid to our local community, but you will also reduce your fees for your past overdue library items!
The food drive collection will occur during their National Library Week, April 3rd – 9th. This year’s National Library Week theme is “Connect with Your Library.”
Here’s How It Works
- The library will credit SCLD cardholders’ accounts $2 for every non-perishable item of food they bring in.
- Fines will be forgiven up to a maximum of $20 per library account.
- Food for Fines donations can only be applied to overdue and/or damaged item fees.
- They will not be applied to lost-item charges or accounts referred to collection.
You can look for the food bins at all of the District of Spokane County libraries. The container may be located behind the customer service area in some locations.
People tend to think that fall and winter seasons are the most crucial time to give food, time, or money to food banks. However, people who struggle with inadequate food supply struggle with it year-round. SCLD reported in the past years that people have donated much more food than what was needed to pay their fines. Also, some customers generously donated even though they didn’t have fines on their accounts.