Food for fines at libraries

You can wipe your library fines and help local charities with the Food for Fines promotion.

The East Gippsland Shire Council initiative lets you donate staple and festive food items in exchange for having overdue fines removed.

The offer is available at all six libraries, Mallacoota, Omeo, Orbost, Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Paynesville.

One item of food is equal to $5 of overdue fines. There is no limit to the amount of overdue charges you can pay off with food, but it only applies to fines for overdue items, not charges for damaged books or photocopying.

Donations should be of staple foods such as tinned meat, fruit or vegetables, or Christmas specialty food such as mince pies, puddings and shortbread. The food will be given to local charities who will distribute it to help families in need.

Library Operations Coordinator Naomi Barr said there had been a great response so far.

“We’re really pleased with the community’s support for this initiative. It’s going really well and is a win-win for library members and local charities. We’re looking forward to making a bumper delivery to charities to help people doing it tough enjoy the festive season,” Ms Barr said.

The food will be given to local charities who will distribute it to help families in need.

Council is also accepting food donations from people who do not have overdue fines but wish to take part.

This offer is available until Monday, December 17.

Bairnsdale Library’s Naomi Barr and Kay Quin are very pleased with the donations received so far in the Food for Fines initiative.