LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) has announced the details of its popular Food for Fines program, where patrons can offset their library fines with food donations.
Food for Fines will take place from December 11-17, and during that time, library users are invited to bring non-perishable food items to any CALS location to cancel out overdue fines on their accounts.
This year, the food items donated will be kept at CALS to stock the Little Free Pantries.
For each non-perishable item brought, fines will be reduced by one dollar— and patrons may bring up to 25 non-perishable items, to offset $25 worth of fines.
CALS wanted to encourage those without any fines to donate as well, so they will be applying additional “funds” to randomly selected accounts.
Fines accrued for billed items or replacement fees are not eligible under the program.
Donations should be unopened, prepackaged non-perishable items. Recommended items for this holiday season include canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; boxes of meals and pastas; canned gravies; mashed potato mix; and boxed stuffing.
Items that can be used by unsheltered individuals, like ready-to-eat meals and soups featuring pop tops, granola bars, and individually wrapped snacks are also appreciated.
Other popular donation items among pantries include sanitary products, soaps, deodorants, and even diapers.
While all non-perishable items are welcome, CALS has requested that patrons bring no glass or homemade items.
For more information about Food for Fines, contact Tameka Lee at tlee@cals.org or (501) 918-3048.
To learn more about the Little Free Pantries, contact Jessica Frazier-Emerson at jdfrazieremerson@cals.org or (501) 978-3870. To make a donation directly to the Free Little Pantries, items can be purchased from their wishlist and shipped directly to them.