St. Johns County Public Library System’s Food for Fines Program Returns
The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) is pleased to announce that the popular Food for Fines program has returned to libraries and the bookmobile this year. An opportunity to eliminate most library fines, Food for Fines will run from Sunday, Nov. 10, through Saturday, Dec. 21. The food items collected will be used to stock the St. Johns County Health and Human Services (SJCHHS) Food Pantry, which provides food for St. Johns County families in need.
Donating one nonperishable, unexpired food item will remove $2 from a patron’s overdue fines. This fine-reduction program applies only to overdue fines, and patrons may bring in as many items as needed to reduce those fines. Fees related to damaged or lost items are not included in the Food for Fines program. Any library user is welcome to donate at any St. Johns County library branch or the bookmobile, even if they do not have overdue fines.
“Since we first implemented Food for Fines in 2009, the community has really gotten behind the program,” said Public Library System Director Debra Rhodes Gibson. “It’s even supported by our patrons who don’t have fines. We’re thrilled that this year we can offer our patrons $2 off their fines for each food item donated. This program truly embodies the season of giving!”
Last year, St. Johns County residents provided more than 4,300 nonperishable items through the Food for Fines program. For more information about this program and the St. Johns County Public Library System’s other services, please visit www.sjcpls.org.