Tewksbury Library to Accept 'Food For Fines' in February

TEWKSBURY, MA - If you have overdue library fines, next month you’ll be able to pay them off by donating a non-perishable food item.

For the entire month of February, the Tewksbury Public Library will be holding a “Food For Fines” drive to benefit the town’s food pantry.

For every non-perishable food item donated at the library, $1 in fines will be cleared from the donor’s library card account. Donations must be brought to the Circulation Desk and donors are asked to have their library cards handy.

The “Food For Fines” program only applies to fines for overdue library materials, not fees for lost or damaged materials.

“This is a great opportunity to clear your library fines while helping those need in need,” said Library Director Diane Giarrusso in a press release issued Monday. “Our patrons always step up and show overwhelming support for the Tewksbury Community Pantry during our ‘Food for Fines’ months.”

Suggested food donations include: baked beans, condiments, pancake mix, tea bags, cereal, pasta sauce, cooking oil, baby food, beef stew, canned chili, canned tuna, hot chocolate, salad dressing, peanut butter, crackers, jam or jelly, flour, sugar, coffee, syrup, pasta, juice, cookies, macaroni & cheese, powdered drink mixes, instant potatoes, and dry milk.

Household items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, disposable razors, dishwasher soap and liquid laundry soap are also greatly appreciated.

No perishable donations, expired donations, or donations in glass jars can be accepted.

The Tewksbury Public Library serves as a drop-off location for Tewksbury’s Food Pantry year-round, with a donation box located in the library’s lobby area.