During the week of Jan. 13-18, the Flathead County Library System will offer the opportunity to exchange food for fines. For one week only, library customers can bring in nonperishable food items for donation to local food banks and reduce the balance of overdue fines.
“This year we decided to offer Food for Fines in January, instead of later in the spring,” Circulation Manager Patty Jones said.
“Customers can clear their accounts and start the new year with a clean slate. Plus it’s a great way to continue to support our food banks after the holiday rush.”
Each unexpired, nonperishable food item will erase $1 of overdue fines. Donations will be accepted at all FCLS locations. Fees other than overdue fines are not eligible for this event. Everyone is invited to donate food, even if there are no late fees on their library account. During Food for Fines in 2013, FCLS erased nearly $3,500 worth of library fines in exchange for more than 3,000 pounds of donated food.
The Flathead County Library System has a Main Library in Kalispell and branches in Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Marion. FCLS offers books, movies, music, audiobooks, and downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, as well as public computers and wireless Internet access. FCLS offers regularly scheduled programs for children and teens. For more information about FCLS services and locations, visit the library’s website.