Dearborn Library Hosts 'Food For Fines' Drive

DEARBORN, MI — To assist needy families and offer an alternative to its users, Dearborn Public Library is hosting its annual Food for Fines program. This year it runs Nov. 12-27, just in time for Thanksgiving.

All donated items will be given to the Dearborn Firefighters for distribution to local families through the Burn Drive Food Cupboard.

Library patrons may donate non-perishable, non-expired food items and receive $1 reduction in overdue library fines for every item donated.

Bryant Branch Library, 22100 Michigan Ave., and Esper Branch Library, 12929 Warren Ave., will be accepting canned or boxed food items in exchange for reductions in overdue library fines during this period. Henry Ford Centennial Library remains closed during this period for major building renovations.

While there is no limit on the number of items donated nor to the amount of fines cleared, food donations can only be used for overdue charges. Fines and fees for lost or damaged library items or library accounts in collection status are not eligible for the Food for Fines program.

Food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and larger than single-serving size. Among the acceptable food items are peanut butter; instant potatoes; pancake mix; canned soup, juice, vegetables, and fruit; rice; pasta; macaroni and cheese; and cereal and oatmeal.

New this year is that patrons without library cards, and therefore no library fines, may also donate. In exchange, they will receive one internet day pass to use the computers at Bryant or Esper. The pass must be used the same day as the donation.

For more information, call 313-943-2330.