[Publib] Food for fines revisited

[Bonnie Mendes]

We have been doing this for years with much success.  We only accept 
non-perishable food and the expiration day can not be past.  The amount 
taken off there fines is based on the cost of the food (if there is not a 
price tag, the staff uses their judgement).  One can of soup will not 
eliminate $5.00 worth of fines!     We have only had issues with one 
particular patron who it turns out was taking the expired food from her 
church pantry and trying to use it to pay her fines.  All in all people are 
most generous and appreciative of the option. 
 
We distribute the food to local food banks and kitchens. We now have a 
couple of different groups willing to come pick up the food on a regular 
basis which is nice.
 
 
Good luck,
 
Bonnie

 
______________________________________________________ 
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-----Original Message-----
From: Janet Cavanagh <jcavanag at russell.lioninc.org>
To: PUBLIB <publib at webjunction.org>
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 12:56:55 -0400
Subject: [Publib] Food for fines revisited

Dear Colleagues, 

My director wants very much to have a "food for fines" drive.   I have 
searched the archives but only found one item, under a discussion on library 
promotion and it was an academic library.   I am sure this topic has come up 
here so I apologize.  Could you give me some pros and cons?  Russell Library 
is a middle public library.

I have visions of someone bringing in a turnip because he had the first 
season of the Sopranos out for 6 months.


Much appreciated.

-- 
Janet Cavanagh
Circulation Department
Russell Library
123 Broad Street
Middletown, CT 06457
860-347-2528


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