Pay Your Burlington Public Library Fines With Food Donations

My library card is one of my most treasured possessions of all time.

Surely, I’m not alone.

My library card is one of my most treasured possessions of all time.

Surely, I’m not alone.

During the third week of October each year, the importance of public libraries – and the people they serve – are celebrated across Ontario, and in Burlington.

A visit will get you lost in the world of business or a celebrity’s upbringing, learning new lanugages or technology, and how to deal with your soon-to-arrive baby.

Speaking of babies, they’re often hungry, and so are members of our community.

Food for Fines is running until Oct. 22 as part of Ontario Public Library Week.

Burlingtonians, this means you can help yourself and the community by paying your overdue fines with unexpired canned and dry food items to benefit local food banks.

Here’s how it works … One food item equals $1 in fines; two items equal $2, and so on.

Fines may be fully paid with donated food and there’s no maximum.

Keep in mind, this campaign doesn’t apply to replacement costs or collection agency fees.

Food donations will be checked, and expired food items won’t be accepted.

(Food items must be donated in the original packaging as purchased, for example, one box of tea bags is acceptable, while one tea bag isn’t).

Here’s where your food donations make a difference to people in need around our city:

Aldershot: Aldershot Hub

Greatest needs: The top-ranked need is peanut butter. Although children aren’t allowed to take it in their lunch to school, it’s an easy protein add to their diet at home. Making a peanut butter sandwich is one of the first things many children are able to do independently. Canned vegetables (but not legumes) and canned fruit are also very much appreciated.

Alton & Tansley Woods: The Salvation Army – Burlington

Greatest needs: Canned vegetables, canned fruit, soups, stews, Kraft Dinner, Knorr Side Kicks, rice, dry pasta, pickled items & condiments, jam, sugar, flour.

Brant Hills: Halton Women’s Place

Greatest needs: All unexpired, non-perishable food items are gratefully received.

Central, Kilbride: St. Christopher’s Open Doors

Greatest needs: Canned fruit, canned vegetables, cereal (hot and cold), rice, canned and dried beans, canned tuna/ham or chicken.

New Appleby: Our Community Cares – Food Support Cupboard

Greatest needs: Pasta sauce, canned meat, school snacks, breakfast items such as pancake mix, oatmeal, cereal bars.

An annual fall event, Ontario Public Library Week was first announced by the province in 1985 and has since become the focus for promoting public library services in Ontario.

This year’s theme is ‘A Visit Will Get You Thinking.’

A strong library system is the cornerstone of a strong community, according to the province.

Ontario Public Library Week recognizes the important contribution Ontario’s public libraries make to education, literacy and life-long learning in Ontario communities.

With more than 1,134 service points throughout Ontario, public libraries’ patrons make more than 72 million in-person visits to local libraries across Ontario annually, as well as more than 108 million electronic visits and at least 19 million social media visits.

Also, every library branch in the province provides access to electronic information through the Internet.

Ontario Library Assocation is lead for Ontario for Ontario Public Library Week planning and Canadian Library Month participation.

Public libraries, dedicated librarians, library staff and devoted volunteers across the province plan special activities to celebrate Ontario Public Library Week and many public libraries also celebrate Canadian Library Month.

So, check out your local library online!

(Source: Province of Ontario)