The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) announced recently the Food for Fines program has returned to St. Johns County libraries and bookmobiles this year. Donating one non-perishable, unexpired food item will remove $2 of fines from a patron's library record. An opportunity to eliminate most library fines, Food for Fines will run from Monday, Nov. 13, through Friday, Dec. 22. The food items collected will be used to stock the St. Johns County Health and Human Services Food Pantry, providing food for St. Johns County families in need.
This fine-reduction program applies only to overdue fines, and patrons may bring in as many items as needed to reduce overdue fines. Fees related to damaged or lost items are not included in the Food for Fines program. Any library user is welcome to make donations, and food may be dropped off at any of the St. Johns County library branches or bookmobiles.
"Since we first implemented Food for Fines in 2009, the community has really gotten behind the program," SJCPLS Director Debra Rhodes Gibson said. "It's even supported by our patrons who don't have fines. We’re thrilled that this year we’re able to offer our patrons $2 off their fines for each item of food donated.”
Last year, St. Johns County residents provided more than 3,500 non-perishable items through the Food for Fines program. For more information about this program, other SJCPLS services and library branch locations, visit www.sjcpls.org.
