Library accepts food for fines

COLFAX – Whitman County Library's annual Food for Fines drive begins Feb. 1 and continues through Feb. 28 at all fourteen branch locations.

"This highly successful program allows library patrons to bring in cans or boxes of non-perishable food, household paper products, and toiletry items, and waive up to $10 in outstanding library fines," stated Whitman County Library Public Services Manager Catalina Flores.

Donations are accepted at all branch locations during regular open hours. Each unopened, unexpired item equals $1 in library overdue fines to be forgiven.

All collected items will be given to the food bank serving the community where they were collected.

"During the month of February, many food bank clients receive large heating bills and it's wonderful that the library's food drive allows local agencies to put something extra in their grocery box," stated Flores.

The library encourages the public to make contributions even if they don't have fines or a library account. The items are used to pay it forward and forgive another person's fines before being donated to local food banks.

Fines sent to a collection agency are not being forgiven.

"Whether you have some fines to clear off your account or just want to support your neighbors and our local food pantries, join us for our Food for Fines drive and drop off your donations at your nearest library branch throughout the month of February," stated Flores.