St. Johns County Library’s “Food for Fines” Program Encourages Charitable Donations to Clear Overdue Fees

The season of giving is underway in St. Johns County, with a notable act of charity coming from a partnership between the public libraries and the county’s food pantry. The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) has launched its Food for Fines program once again, providing library patrons an opportunity to clear their overdue fines while contributing to a good cause. From Nov. 10 to Dec. 21, those with library fines can donate unexpired, nonperishable food items to have $2 knocked off their total fees per item, as the

St. Johns County

reports.

Not only is the program a win-win for patrons and the community alike, but, it also goes to support the St. Johns County Health and Human Services (SJCHHS) Food Pantry. Last year, over 4,300 items were donated courtesy of this initiative, aiding families in need throughout the county. The fine-reduction program does not apply to fees incurred from damaged or lost library materials, reminding patrons that its focus remains squarely on those overdue fines. Patrons without fines are also welcomed to donate at any St. Johns County library branch or via the bookmobile.

“Since we first implemented Food for Fines in 2009, the community has really gotten behind the program,” St. Johns County Public Library System Director Debra Rhodes Gibson expressed in a statement on the

St. Johns County

website. “It’s even supported by our patrons who don’t have fines. We’re thrilled that this year we can offer our patrons $2 off their fines for each food item donated. This program truly embodies the season of giving!” The initiative has a twofold benefit: it alleviates the financial pressure of fines on library users while also provisioning valuable resources to the St. Johns County Health and Human Services Food Pantry.

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