Food For Fines is coming to the Des Plaines Public Library from January 18-31!
Clear those pesty overdue fines from your library record while helping restock the shelves at the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines.
The details:
- From January 18 through January 31, 2010, Des Plaines Public Library patrons may bring in non-perishable foods to get money subtracted from their library fines. Each food item brought in will result in $1 of fines being cleared. Patrons can bring in as much food as they want, but the program is only applicable to overdue fines, not charges for lost or damaged materials. All donated food will go to the Self-Help Closet and Pantry.
- This is particularly helpful because: The Library Board has recently made a change to the policy on fines, lowering the maximum amount allowed for fines from $9.99 to $4.99. Fines of $5.00 or more now result in a block to the user’s account and must be paid before checking out items or placing holds.
- Library fines may be paid in person at the Library, online using a credit card or with food donations between January 18 and January 31. Please, check the expiration dates: no expired food will be accepted.
- DPPL charges overdue fines primarily to encourage patrons to return materials in a timely fashion. Our current circulation numbers are at a record high. We want to get library resources out to everyone who needs them, so bring 'em back, pay those fines (with food) and more people than ever will be able to enjoy this wonderful Library. Plus, local residents in need will be able to enjoy a meal thanks to your generosity. It's a win-win situation, folks!
Karen--Will you post a picture of all the food items that are donated? I saw a library that did this and wish we had at our library. Great ideas about the future of PlainTalk! gwyn stupar
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion, Gwyn, I will make every effort to photo-document the collection!
ReplyDeleteWould a box of ramen count as one donation, or for every individual pack?
ReplyDeleteWell, we would leave that to your judgment. If you have a lot of fines and not much $$$, we'll give you a dollar off for every individual package. Please remember this food goes to fill a real need right here in our own community - other than that, we have only one "rule" about the food: if it's past the expiration date, it will not be accepted.
ReplyDelete