Community Corner
Naperville Public Library's Food for Fines Program to Help Those in Need
Last winter the library's Food for Fines Drive raised 3 tons of food for Loaves & Fishes. The Naperville Public Library will hold the food drive July 9-23.
Have you been holding off on taking out any new library books because you owe a fine? If so, you will soon have a chance to take care of that fine and help those in need in the community.
Library users who owe fines will have the option to make a food donation in place of paying the fee during the library’s Food for Fines Drive July 9 to 23. The will donate $1 per non-perishable food item that is donated (up to $20 per library card). The food will be donated to , according the Naperville Public Library.
“We are very excited to again partner with Loaves & Fishes. Having a summer drive is perfect because our Summer Reading Program is themed ‘Reading is So Delicious!’ As soon as we heard about the theme, we immediately thought of them,” said Chris Murray, drive coordinator and circulation services supervisor.
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Last December, the library held the Fines for Food drive and collected 3 tons of food, which was enough for roughly 6,000 meals, said Susan Greenwood, the library’s community relations associate.
The focus of the drive is on food items, but the Library is also accepting household cleaning products, personal hygiene items, diapers and paper goods, Murray said.
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While working with Loaves & Fishes Murray said she learned that the nonprofit’s focus during the summer would be nutrition for school kids. The organization expects it will help more than 5,300 children compared with the 3,043 students age 5 to 18 Loaves & Fishes served last summer.
“Because the need is so great, we’re asking people to help these kids,” Murray said.
Loaves & Fishes is in particular need of canned chicken, low sugar granola bars, applesauce, shelf stable milk and peanut butter. Find more items in need.
The Food for Fines Drive only applies to overdue items at the library. The food donations will not be used to waive fees for InterLibrary Loan, copies, lost and damaged items, movie checkout, and collection agency.
Donations will be accepted at all three Naperville Public Library locations.
Learn more about the Food for Fines drive at the Naperville Public Library.
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