For those with a stack of surplus groceries and a pile of library debt, the York County Public Library’s Food for Fines program is an ideal fit.
Starting Monday and running through Nov. 22, patrons can return overdue library materials to either the Tabb or Yorktown Library, with a nonperishable food item in exchange for their fines.
The program has been going on for many years, said Library Director Kevin Smith, and is a popular way to support food banks at Saint Luke’s Methodist Church and Saint Kateri Catholic Church.
“People like to have their fines forgiven, and for me, it’s import for us to partner with community organizations, a way for the library to partner with these two food banks,” Smith said. “And it’s a win-win situation for everybody.”
Smith usually sees about 40 to 50 full bags of groceries come through the library each time the program is held, typically in the fall prior to Thanksgiving and again in the spring.
He said Food for Fines is a way for the library to give back to the residents it serves with more than books.
“We are an integral part of the community, as any public library is to their community. We’re an information resource, but we’re also a community hub, a community resource,” he said.
One food item – canned or boxed, unopened and not expired – pays for one fine, no matter the amount. Patrons should bring donations to the circulation desk with a library card to receive account credit.
Food for Fines follows the Fall Book Sale put on by the Friends of the York County Public Library. The sale, which includes, books and multimedia items all $1 or less, is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the Tabb Library meeting room.
Library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The Tabb Library is located at 100 Long Green Boulevard and the Yorktown Library is at 8500 Geo. Wash. Memorial Highway.
For more information, click here or call the Tabb Library at 890-5120 or the Yorktown Library at 890-5207.
