BELLOWS FALLS — The Rockingham Free Public Library offers a “modified fines amnesty” for the month of January. It's a great way to make good on late fees by doing good for those most in need.
Here's how it works: All month, the library will accept non-perishable food items in lieu of fines for overdue books. Each non-perishable item knocks up to $2 off of library fines. Those of us with a stack of books due know that adds up fast.
Food will be collected in boxes at the main circulation and youth department desks. When paying off a fine with a donated food item, make sure you alert a staff librarian first to get credit for the donation.
Food donations apply to reductions in overdue fines for items in circulation, but can't be applied to replacement costs for lost or damaged materials, or to fees for items requested by interlibrary loan.
Normally, library fines are 10 cents per day for all overdue library items, topping off at $3 per item.
This is a golden opportunity to square yourself with the library. And you can bring in more than you owe in fees; the library can handle the extra donations.
Especially needed, the RFPL says: kid-friendly, healthy snacks; fruit juice boxes; powdered or shelf-stable milk; coffee and tea; canned or jarred fruit; canned chicken or tuna; chili; baked beans; jellies and jams; peanut butter; low-sodium soups; diapers (size three and four; toothpaste; shampoo; soap; and household cleaning supplies.
Donated items will be trucked to Our Place Drop In Center in Bellows Falls and shared with those in need.