Indian Prairie Library accepting food for fines

Updated: February 4, 2013 1:17AM

DARIEN — Food for Fines is an annual and often anticipated event that allows patrons of the Indian Prairie Public Library to pay their fines with food rather than cash.

“Last year was by far our biggest year,” with nearly 3,300 items collected for the food pantries at Our Lady of Peace and Our Lady of Mount Carmel churches in Darien, said Debbie Sheehan, head of circulation.

Sheehan said she knows of people who wait for December to pay their fines for overdue materials. Many whose books were returned on time also choose to participate.

“It’s a way for them just to give back,” Sheehan said.

From Dec. 8 through 13, one food item can be substituted for each dollar owed in late fees.

“It doesn’t have to be worth a dollar,” Sheehan said. But many people donate more than the minimum number of items.

“It’s just a really popular program,” she said.

Show / Hide Comments