Libraries celebrate the fifth annual 'Food for Fines'

The Spokane County Library District will be holding its fifth annual “Food for Fines” event on April 9–15 during National Library Week. Donations go to the Second Harvest Food Bank and other food banks in the area serving within Spokane County while also reducing library members overdue fees.

The West Plains libraries – Airway Heights, Cheney and Medical Lake – will be a part of the cause having bins at each location.

“The generosity of our library members never fails to inspire us,” Jane Baker, communication and development officer for Spokane County Library District, said in an email. “Since 2013, we have collected over 16,000 pounds of food and forgiven over $15,000 in fines.”

The way it works is that for every non-perishable food item donated, two dollars will go towards a cardholder’s account, with the max of $20 per library account. “Food for Fines” goes towards overdue or damaged items fees but cannot be used for lost-item charges or accounts referred to a collections agency.

Members do not need to have a fine to donate food. Anybody can bring in a donation to help households that are in extra need of meals while also helping somebody with their library fines.

“In many cases, our generous members contributed much more food to the collection barrels than what was needed to pay their fines,” Baker added. “Some had no overdue fees at all and still contributed food throughout National Library Week.”

To donate, be on the lookout for bins at any library within the Spokane County Library District. Donations are accepted throughout the week and hours depend on the library chosen to donate at.

LIBRARY HOURS

Airway Heights

Tues. – Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Wed. and Sat.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sun.: 1 – 5 p.m.

Cheney

Mon. – Wed. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Thurs. – Sat.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sun: 1 – 5 p.m.

Medical Lake

Mon. – Wed: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Grace Pohl can be reached at grace@cheneyfreepress.com.