If you have to pay late fees at the library, there is an easy way to clear your conscience.

In November, the St. Catharines Public Library hosts a Food for Fines program.

For each donation of canned or canned non-perishable food, your fine will be waived by $ 5. For example, three items would represent a $ 15 reduction in fines. They will waive fines of up to $ 50.

Until you have big ideas, donations cannot be banked for future fines.

Karissa Fast, communications specialist for the St. Catharines Public Library, said the library has been Food for Fines for many years.

“All food items are donated to Community Care,” she said.

“The public has embraced Food for Fines again this year, and we already have several bags of items to donate! There is also usually a big wave of food donations at the end of the month. “

“In March 2021, we went without fines for all cards for children, adolescents and seniors. Great freedom for adult cards is something that could happen in the future, ”said Fast.

According to a library report, “fine revenue represents about one percent of the library’s annual budget, but has declined in recent years due to the increased use of digital materials.”

In 2019, the library collected a total of $ 66,000 in fines.

Fast said, “In 2019, we waived over $ 2,000 in fines. In 2020, we gave up around $ 600 which was considerably lower due to the pandemic and our policy of freedom from fines for children / teens / seniors. “