OCPL accepting Food for Fines this month
All through the month of December, the Oconee County Public Library will accept non-perishable food items in lieu of fines. Oconee County Public Library publicity director and Seneca Branch manager Blair Hinson gives details. “Once again this year, we are doing our Food for Fines Campaign. Basically with agreements from two of our local food banks, we are doing the Golden Corner Food Bank in Seneca and Dot’s Kitchen in Westminster. Patrons can bring in one non-perishable food item, can or dry good, non-expired, for each dollar worth of fines that they have on their records up to a total of $10 on each card. Now that doesn’t get rid of fees for lost items or damaged items but if you have fines on your record, you can clear up to $10 per card of those fines by bringing in canned goods.” If you do not have fines, you can still donate anyway, adds Hinson. “There are a lot of folks in our community that are still in serious need and these donations, weather we get fine money or not is not important, what is important is that you are clearing off your record and we are giving back to the community. We think it is a really good thing, it is kind of a win-win situation for both our patrons and for the library as well as the community.” The Food for Fines Program runs through the end of the month at all branches of the Oconee County Public Library. Food raised will benefit the Golden Corner Food Bank in Seneca and Dot’s Kitchen in Westminster.