Salem Public Library Patrons Combine Fine Forgiveness With Community Service

Pay your late fees by helping a poor family have a good meal

Salem Public Library Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - For one week only, Salem Public Library will forgive fines for patrons who bring in donations of non-perishable food items between Sunday, March 26th and Saturday, April 1st. Donated items benefit the annual Rotary Food Drive on behalf of Marion-Polk Food Share. For the third year, this effort coincides with Spring Break.

Food items will be accepted at the Central Library, West Salem Branch, and on the Bookmobile. Because the Bookmobile visits each stop only twice each month, Food for Fines contributions are accepted for two weeks on the Bookmobile only, from Tuesday, March 21st to Saturday, April 1st.

This highly successful program pays off for library patrons and for families served by Marion-Polk Food Share. The 2005 Food for Fines program generated 4,480 pounds in donations. Fines totalling $3,832.09 were cleared on 541 library cards.

Each item 15 ounces or larger pays off $1 in fines. (This does not apply to lost book charges, rental or video/DVD fees, collection fees, or non-resident fee cards.)

Marion-Polk Food Share has requested the following items:

• Canned fruit, vegetables and chili
• Bottled or canned fruit juices
• 20-oz or larger boxed hot and cold cereal
• 20-oz package of macaroni products
• 8-oz jars of peanut butter
• Canned meats
• Cooking oil
• 5-pound bags of sugar, flour and rice

Top Ramen products and USDA-subsidized food items cannot be accepted. Patrons are asked to please bring only factory-sealed, rust-free, non-dented items bearing a future expiration date.

More information is available from the Circulation Division at 503-588-6060.