Food for thought: Anthea Doran, daughter Maeve and Susan Hall back the food-for-fines amnesty at Belmont Library.
By Erin Pearson
IT’S all beans and carrots at Geelong libraries this month thanks to a fine amnesty with a tasty twist.
The Food for Fines campaign will allow penalties for overdue books to be erased in exchange for non-perishable food items until December 16.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation chair Rod Macdonald said the campaign would benefit the community through food donations while also encouraging borrowers back to libraries.
“Our libraries are enjoying a time of growth and renewal with new libraries opening, lots of new items in the borrowing collection and older libraries being refurbished,” he said.
“We want as many people as possible enjoying the opportunities this brings to connect, read, learn and grow.
“Fines are something we want to avoid, so now is a great opportunity to give a tin of food and all is forgiven.”
Cr Macdonald said the initiative would support Geelong Food Relief Centre in time for Christmas.
Geelong Food Relief Centre chairperson Lillian Van Laar said sugar, breakfast cereals, spreads, tea, coffee, canned fruit, canned vegetables, and baked beans were in highest demand.
Food items should have an expiry date after May, she said.
“There’s a real need for food assistance programs and we’re very pleased the Geelong region’s libraries are helping us through this campaign.
“We need community support to operate and would like to see other organisations helping us out with food drives.”
Cr Macdonald said food could be donated at any library, including mobile services.
