Delray Library conducts 'food for fines' project

By Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — The Delray Beach Public Library located at 100 West Atlantic Avenue will  conduct a Food for Fines Fourth of July project to collect nonperishable food items for the Caring Kitchen in Delray Beach.

The drive will begin on July 1 and run through the 11th.

Any library patron with overdue materials — books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs — may return them without paying any fines if they donate at least one canned or packaged food item. One can or package will cover as many overdue items they bring in on that visit.

“It’s not a one-for-one,” said Bonnie Stelzer, director of community relations for the Delray Library. “As long as they bring us something.”

However, the donation doesn't clear fines on items not returned at that time. A second donation may be made.

There is no limit to the number of items retuned. Items must be brought to the circulation desk. The library conducted a similar drive a year ago and again at Thanksgiving.  They were successful enough for the library to do it again, but Stelzer didn't have information on the amount of food raised or materials returned.

“It sparks interest,” Stelzer said. “It works both for the community and for us.”