Food for Fines: Return Overdue Library Books to NHCPL and Pay Fines with Nonperishable Food...

Food for Fines: return overdue library books to NHCPL and pay fines with nonperishable food donations for Mother Hubbard's Cupboard

Do you have overdue library books? In May, you can pay off your New Hanover County Public Library overdue fees with non-perishable food items instead of cash.

The Library is holding a “Food for Fines” drive May 4 - 30, 2009.  During that time library patrons may clear their overdue fines by donating food, which will go to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.

Library Director Harry Tuchmayer said, “Accepting ‘Food for Fines’ is a way the Library can give to those in need, help borrowers who have fallen behind catch up, get some long overdue books back into circulation, and clean up our records. It’s a community win-win!” Similar promotions by libraries across the country have been very successful, according to Tuchmayer.

The Library welcomes donations of new, processed, non-perishable canned or packaged food, including:

- Canned soups, fruits and vegetables, beans, and meats

- Packaged dry foods such as rice, dried beans, pastas, and powdered milk

- Juice in sealed plastic containers

The Library cannot accept:

- Perishable food or any food requiring refrigeration

- Expired or outdated food

- Food in glass containers

- Unpackaged food, or food in open, broken, or home canning or packaging

Guidelines:

- Food donated from May 4-30 will cancel the donor’s current overdue library fines.

- Donated foods must be presented at the circulation desk during normal library business hours. Food left at the doorstep or in the after hours book drop will not offset fines.

- Food donations may not be applied to fees charged for lost or damaged library materials, processing fees, or accounts that have been referred to the county or state for collection.

- Donations may not be applied as credit against future library overdue fines.

For more information please call the Library Administration office at 910.798.6309 or your nearest New Hanover County Public Library branch.

Date: May 4-30, 2009.