For Immediate Release August 20, 2015

Jefferson County citizens can donate canned goods to pay off library fines in September

Jefferson County, AL – Forty public libraries in Jefferson County will participate in the sixth annual "Food for Fines,'' a drive held in September that allows patrons to pay off up to $10 toward their library fines with donated canned or boxed foods. One dollar in fines will be waived for each item of donated food. The waived fees apply to fines only. The food drive is open to anyone, even if they do not have overdue materials. Expiration dates on foods must be visible on all donated food. “Our goal is to encourage users to return overdue materials while also giving back to our communities,” said Patricia Ryan, executive director of the Public Libraries In Jefferson County (PLJC).

The effort, which is being coordinated through the PLJC office, comes at a time when area food banks and pantries are running low on donations. Librarians in Jefferson County hope this campaign will be the boost several nonprofit food groups need as they approach the fall holidays. The libraries plan to donate goods to United Way Food Bank, Greater Birmingham Ministries and Magic City Harvest. Individual libraries may also decide to donate items to a local church or charity of their choice. Last year 21,3258 cans/items were collected for area food banks. Past years have seen food collections rise to 11 ¼ tons of food during this annual campaign.

“Food for Fines” is held in conjunction with the annual "National Library Card Sign-up Month." In September, cardholders can trade in their old wallet library card for a keychain library card during the sign-up campaign. Or, they can replace their worn out card with a free replacement card. Any other time, a replacement card would be $3.

Contact: Cynthia Brown
Jefferson County Library Cooperative
Phone: (205) 226-3615 work
E-mail: cynthiab@bham.lib.al.us
Website: www.jclc.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jeffcolibrary
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JeffCoLibAL

The Public Libraries In Jefferson County, d/b/a Jefferson County Library Cooperative, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that links the 40 public libraries throughout Jefferson County. These include 20 municipal libraries, the 19 locations of the Birmingham Public Library System and The Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The mission of the Public Libraries In Jefferson County is to connect all citizens countywide by providing resources and community-building opportunities that inspire life-long learning. Visit our website @ http://PublicLibrariesInJC.org