Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Chanute Public Library will once again run its annual Food for Fines program until Saturday, Nov. 29. But they have increased the amount of fines a food item will forgive.
Previously, a patron could bring in a pantry food item and receive $1 in credit to go towards library fines. This year, patrons will receive $2 in credit when they bring in a food item.
“We realize many of our families are facing economic hardships and we want to try and help them as much as possible,” Jeana Lawrence, library director, said. “Access to library materials can be extremely useful to families and patrons during stressful times.”
All the food collected by the library will be donated to local food banks and blessing boxes. Last year, the library raised over 1,000 food items.
To participate, a Chanute Public Library patron can bring in a pantry food item, such as a can of soup or a box of macaroni and cheese, or three ramen noodle packets and will receive $2 in credit to go towards any late fines or fines from lost or damaged items. These will only count towards Chanute Public Library late fines or Chanute Public Library lost or damaged items. Fines from other libraries will not count.
Members of the community can also bring in any food item they wish to donate and can request their donation help pay fines of families in need. Last year, the community donated $160 worth of food items that helped 25 families erase fines from their cards.
“I hope everyone considers contributing, even if you don’t have fines,” Lawrence said. “This not only helps patrons in need but also helps our local food pantries during their busiest time of the year.”
