New Berlin Library Launches “Food for Fines” Drive to Support Local Food Pantry
The New Berlin Library is turning overdue fines into an opportunity to help the community. Throughout the month of November, the library will host a Food for Fines drive to benefit the Unadilla Valley Food Pantry, encouraging library patrons to donate nonperishable food items in exchange for forgiveness of their overdue book fines.
For each donated item, the library will waive $1 in overdue fines. There is no limit to how many items patrons can contribute, and all donations will go directly to the Unadilla Valley Food Pantry, which serves families and individuals in need throughout our community.
“The Unadilla Valley Food Pantry is happy to partner with the New Berlin Library through the Food for Fines program. It is a clever and unique idea for highlighting the pantry and helping to stock its shelves. There is an ever-increasing need for its use as a supplemental food source.” stated Unadilla Food Pantry Coordinator Anne Maynard. “As a reminder, the pantry is open Mondays, 3 pm – 5 pm and is located at 51 South Main Street in New Berlin.”
Overdue fines on New Berlin Library owned items are the only type of fines that are eligible for forgiveness through this program, not lost fees or fines from other libraries. However, once you return an item it reverts to overdue and overdue fines max out at $10 per lost item. So, bring in those items that have been misplaced or considered lost in the library computer program.
“We’re excited to partner with Unadilla Valley Food Pantry,” said library director Michelle Priola. “This program is a great way for our patrons to give back to the community while clearing up their library accounts. The New Berlin Library has been an official drop off point for the Unadilla Valley Food Pantry for quite a few years. The library, being centrally located and open more hours, makes it easy for people to donate to our local food pantry.”
Suggested donation items include canned fruits and vegetables, soups, peanut butter, pasta, rice, cereal, and other shelf-stable foods. In addition, pet food, personal care items such as toothpaste and soap, as well as root vegetables, such as potatoes, yams, carrots and onions will be accepted. The library asks that donors avoid donating items that require refrigeration and expired items.
Donations can be dropped off at the library during normal business hours: Monday and Wednesdays 10 am – 8 pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday 10-noon. Even patrons without fines are encouraged to contribute to this food drive in order to help people in need this holiday season.