Public Library Accepts “Food for Fines” During February

Oskaloosa, Iowa Public Library

It’s time to track down those overdue library materials and return them this month. During February you can pay your existing or new library overdue fines with food or personal care items that will be donated to the Ecumenical Cupboard.

According to Library Director Wanda Gardner, accepting food rather than cash is an opportunity many library users appreciate. “After the holidays, many people have extra cans or boxes of food in the cupboard, or even toiletry items they received as gifts. Each item brought to the library will be credited as $2 toward overdue fines.”

For the Ecumenical Cupboard, donations are always welcome. “We serve an average of 400-500 people each month, and since we are an all-volunteer organization, we rely on all kinds of donations,” says Brenda Smith, co-director of the Cupboard. “This month we’re celebrating our one-year anniversary at this location, so getting the library’s help will almost be like a present.”

In the current economy many families struggle not only with a shortage of food, but also personal hygiene products. Bars of soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, shampoo and deodorant are all welcomed by the Cupboard.

“When I was director of the LeClaire Community Library, we accepted food for overdue fines one month each year. The manager of the local food pantry told us that the contributions from library users kept their shelves stocked for a full month,” adds Gardner.

Food for overdue fines can be turned in at the circulation desk on the library’s lower level. The library will also gladly accept other food and care product donations that will go to the Ecumenical Cupboard. The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10-8; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10-5.

Source: Oskaloosa Public Library