Have an overdue book, CD, or DVD from the library? Now’s your chance to clear your fines.
The Jackson County Library Foundation is partnering with the Jackson County Library Services on this program. Through this program, the Library will forgive fines and fees on all overdue items that are returned during the month of June, without limit. If you’ve lost library materials, you can get a fresh start with the Library’s Food for Fines campaign, also happening throughout June. Food for Fines allows anyone with an outstanding balance for overdue books to have $5.00 in charges forgiven for every can or package of non-perishable food donated, also without limit.
Food for Fines is a collaboration with the Neighborhood Food Project (NFP), a group widely-known throughout the county for its colorful green bags used to collect and share food.
“This is a great opportunity to provide food for hungry neighbors in our community. At the same time, you’re clearing up fines and making our wonderful library part of your life again,” said NFP Executive Director John Javna. “Food donations will stay local to each community, so you really will be feeding your neighbors.” To facilitate this, the Library and NFP will also partner with Shady Cove Upper Rogue Food Pantry, Gold Hill Christian Center, Prospect Community Food Bank, Applegate Food Pantry, and others. Donated food must be in store-sealed cans, boxes, or plastic containers within its expiration date.
The Library’s message to the community is that “We want you back!” The program will allow residents who have stopped using the library to again take advantage of Library collections.
“With the Food for Fines and Fine Forgiveness programs, we aim to recover library collections, eliminate barriers to access, welcome back patrons, and increase library patronage and usage,” shared Susan Bloom, JCLS Access Services Coordinator. “A great side-effect is that we can all help our neighbors with what we collect.”
The Library’s 15 branches will serve as collection sites for the campaign. Patrons can find out the amount of their outstanding fines by calling (541) 774-8689 or viewing their account online at jcls.org. Customers who don’t have fines or fees can be part of the program by making donations of non-perishable food items to any Jackson County Library in June.
