Between December 9-16, New Castle County library patrons with overdue items can receive library fine forgiveness for their donation of nonperishable food items. The 4th annual “Food for Fines” amnesty is offered from Sunday, December 9 through Sunday, December 16 as a holiday gift to any patron who visits a New Castle County Library during normal business hours and presents his or her county library card at the circulation desk, along with an unexpired non-perishable food donation.
“Library books should not be collecting dust in a corner. We want them on our library shelves where they can be read and enjoyed,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “In the spirit of the season, if you have books, videos or other library items that are past due, turn them in. This week only, save some money by making a food donation and help take a bite out of hunger across New Castle County.”
For each item donated, $2.00 of overdue fines is removed from the patron’s account. Fine forgiveness is offered for donations of up to 25 items (up to $50.00 in fines). Food donations will support AFSCME Local Union 459 Needy Family Fund’s annual Holiday Food Drive, which serves hundreds of area families during the holiday season and beyond.
Over the past two years, 1,300 New Castle County library card holders have taken advantage of the program, donating thousands of items and saving over $6,500 in fines.
