The four libraries in the North Olympic Library System will conduct a community food drive with a twist from Monday, April 15, through Saturday, April 27.
The libraries — which are in Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks and Clallam Bay — will waive accrued overdue fines in exchange for donations of nonperishable food.
“The last time NOLS held a fine-amnesty program was almost five years ago,” said Bertha Beattie, customer service specialist.
“We felt it was time to do it again.”
The library will turn over all donated items to the Port Angeles, Sequim and Forks food banks, as well as Clallam Bay’s New Hope Food Bank.
Fines will be waived for books, DVDs, magazines and other materials that were returned to the library past due, as well as for overdue items returned during the Food for Fines amnesty period.
Exceptions
Charges will not be waived for interlibrary loan items, lost or damaged items, processing fees or collection agency fees.
In return, library staff members hope to see some long-lost library users come through the doors — people who perhaps had been staying away because they owed fines on overdue materials.
“The library is all about connecting people in our community with necessary resources,” said Erin Shield, technical services manager.
“We see the ‘Food for Fines’ program as a way to make some critical connections, particularly in this tough economy.”
For more information, contact Vera Glica, technical services specialist, at 360-417-8500, ext. 7728, or vglica@nols.org.
