Local libraries 'Food for Fines' week begins April 8

By GRACE POHL

Staff Intern

The sixth annual “Food for Fines” at the Spokane County Library District is approaching on April 8-14. There will be 10 libraries participating in the event including Airway Heights, Cheney and Medical Lake for the West Plains area.

“We’re inviting everyone to celebrate with a donation of food,” Jane Baker, communication and development director for the Spokane County Library District said. “Donations go to the Second Harvest Food Bank and other regional food banks serving Spokane County and reduce library customers’ overdue fees.”

The way it works is for every non-perishable food item donated, $2 will be forgiven from a cardholder’s account. The maximum will be at $20 per library account. Food for Fines can also only be applied to overdue and/or damaged items fees and can’t be applied to lost-item charges or accounts referred to collection.

Since 2013, the libraries have collected over 19,000 pounds of food and have forgiven thousands of dollars in fines.

“The generosity of our library members never fails to inspire us,” Baker said. “In many cases, our generous members contributed much more food to the collection barrels than what was needed to pay their fines. Some had no overdue fees at all and still contributed food throughout National Library Week.”

The Airway Heights Library, located at 1213 South Lundstrom St., is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. along with Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The library is open Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m., but closed on Mondays.

In Cheney, the building is open Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. It is also open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. along with Sunday at 1 p.m. It is located at 610 First St.

Medical Lake’s branch is open from Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. along with Saturday at 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. It is closed Thursday, Friday and Sunday. It is located at 321 East Herb St.

“We encourage everyone to donate food to help end hunger in Spokane County,” Baker said. “This April watch for the food bins at all District locations.”

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