August 26, 2008

I M M E D I A T E  R E L E A S E

contact person
Pat Ryan, Director, Cooperative Services
Jefferson County Library Cooperative
(205)226-3615 W
(205)226-3617 F

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OF JEFFERSON COUNTY
SEPTEMBER FOOD FOR FINES PROJECT

August 26, 2008, Birmingham, AL - The 39 Public Libraries of Jefferson County will accept donations of canned or boxed food during September 1-30. One dollar in fines will be waived for each item of food donated for up to $10 per library card holder. Expiration dates must be visible on the food containers and the waived fees apply to fines only. The food drive is open to anyone, even if they do not have overdue materials.

"Our first goal is getting overdue materials back," said Pat Ryan, director of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative. "We’d rather have the items back than the fines because of the costs associated with reordering and processing new materials. And some items cannot be replaced."

The public libraries wanted to do something for their communities and also provide an incentive for library users with overdue fines to return to the library. At this time of year, food pantries are getting low and need to be replenished with the holidays just around the corner.  Libraries will be collaborating with the United Way Food Bank, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and Magic City Harvest. Individual libraries also can decide to give their items to a local church or charity of their choice.

"Food for Fines" is held in conjunction with the annual National Library Card Sign-up Month. The annual card campaign, in its 10th year, reminds parents that “your public library card is your most important school supply!” In September, cardholders can also trade in their old card for a keychain card or receive a replacement for a worn out card free, without paying the usual $3.00 fee.

Call your local library for more information or questions.

The Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) is a non-profit organization composed of the 39 public libraries throughout Jefferson County. These include the 19 municipal libraries, the 19 branches in the Birmingham Public Library System, as well as the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Library. The mission of JCLC is to link our member libraries to provide better, more efficient centralized services for all county residents. Visit our web site at www.jclc.org.