Cut Library Fines with Food Donations

Contributed by Santa Cruz Public Libraries:

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries will offer a Food for Fines Amnesty event in Celebration of National Library Week, April 14 – 20.

During National Library Week, county residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or to make monetary donations to Second Harvest Food Bank. For each non-perishable food item or dollar donated, the library will forgive $1.00 worth of overdue fines, up to $20. All donations will go to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

To participate, bring food donations or the printed monetary donation receipt to any branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries between April 14 and 20. The Capitola branch is located at 2005 Wharf Rd.

Monetary contributions must be made using the online donation site at http://bit.ly/SCPL-food available starting April 14. Donation receipts may also be emailed to eLibrary@santacruzpl.org. All donations and requests for fine removal must be received between April 14 and 20. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/scpl_f4f.

Some suggestions of food items to be donated include: canned meat, canned fish, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, beans, pasta, rice, cereal and fruit juice. Every $1 donated provides four healthy meals to those in need. Even if you don’t have fines, you can bring a food donation to put in the barrel or make a monetary donation online.

“Being able to improve peoples' access to library books and materials while contributing to a very deserving cause in our community is a win-win for everyone," said Library Director Teresa Landers.

The Second Harvest Food Bank is a non-profit organization providing food and basic necessities to our neighbors, half of whom are children. Visit http://www.thefoodbank.org/ to learn how your contributions make a difference in our community.