Brimbank council is offering to pardon overdue library book fines in exchange for donations of non-perishable food.
The council is hoping the amnesty, which runs until May 29, will entice former library users back to the fold.
Brimbank’s director of community wellbeing, Kath Brackett, said the offer was part of a broader library membership drive.
“Overdue library fines, even small amounts of less than $15, can be a barrier for people wanting to use the library,” she said.
All five of Brimbank’s libraries will offer the amnesty on library fines in exchange for food.
For larger fines, more food will have to be donated. For example, a fine of $5 or less can be exchanged for one item of non-perishable food, while a fine greater than $30 will need at least five food items to be donated.
All food collected will be sent to Uniting Care Lentara and then distributed to Brimbank families.
Ms Brackett said this was the third time the amnesty had been offered following earlier successes in December 2013 and February 2014.
“In 2014, more than 500 overdue items were returned and more than 2000 food items were donated.”
Ms Brackett said library customers who didn’t have fines also donated generously.
For more information, call your nearest library.
