1,100 library card holders took advantage of last year’s amnesty, saved $5,700 in fines
New Castle, DE – New Castle County libraries are forgiving library fines up to $25 while collecting food for the needy during its third annual “Food for Fines” amnesty, which continues through Saturday. Overdue fine forgiveness is offered as a holiday gift to any patron who visits a New Castle County Library during normal business hours through December 16 and presents his or her county library card at the circulation desk, along with a qualified food donation (maximum of 25 donated food items). For each item donated, $1.00 of overdue fines is removed from the patron’s account. Food donations collected this week will support AFSCME Local Union 459 Needy Family Fund’s annual Holiday Food Drive.
“At a time when as many as one in eight Delawareans struggles with hunger, “Food for Fines” donations provide nourishment and lift the spirits of our neighbors in need,” County Executive Matt Meyer said. “In the spirit of the season bring in that overdue library book, swap your fine for a gift of food and support our dedicated county staff in Local 459 who lend a hand to the less fortunate this time each year.”
Get information about Library branch locations and hours of operation at www.nccde.org/286/Libraries or call (302) 395-5680.
Libraries are accepting food donations not only from patrons seeking library fine forgiveness but also from other members of the community. All kinds of unexpired canned goods and other nonperishable food items are welcomed in unopened, unbreakable packages and may be donated anytime during library hours in bins placed near libraries’ entrances.
Fine forgiveness is offered for overdue fines only. Patron accounts with charges for lost, billed or damaged items cannot use the amnesty program to cover those items. Food for Fines ends when the library closes on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
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Contact: Jason Miller, Director of Communications, 302-545-1462