Help feed the needy and the library will waive any fines for that book or DVD that after years may have magically emerged from the depths of the couch or car trunk.
During the month of December, all San Mateo County libraries will forgive any fines in exchange for a nonperishable boxed or canned food, which will be donated to the .
“There is a growing need for feeding the hungry in San Mateo County,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom in a statement. “This is a wonderful opportunity to provide food for those in need in our community, while clearing up fines and resuming greater use of our outstanding library system.”
Last year, county libraries collected 30,759 pounds of food during the Food for Fines program, and also cleared fines for 4,401 library patrons.
With that amount of food, about 1,000 families were fed for a week last year.
Groom is asking residents to donate food regardless of overdue fines. People can bring any amount of food to any of the 12 San Mateo County libraries during regular business hours.
