Patrons of the Mid-Columbia Libraries who have book fines to pay can redeem $10 worth by donating nonperishable food items through Dec. 15.
The library is bringing back its popular Food for Fines program for all 11 branches and the bookmobile for the next six weeks.
To highlight the food drive, Mid-Columbia Libraries will present two free food-related programs this month at the Kennewick branch on Union Street.
Fanae Aaron, author of What Chefs Feed their Kids: Recipes and Techniques for Cultivating a Love of Good Food, will speak at the library at 7 p.m. Nov. 15. She will talk about how food experts deal with challenges of cooking for children's palates.
Liz Edmunds, of the reality makeover show The Food Nanny and author of The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner, will be at the library at 7 p.m. Nov. 17. A mother of seven children, Edmunds encourages families to stop eating fast food by using budget-friendly recipes and offers fundamental tips for successful family meals.
"We welcome local residents to meet these authors and to take advantage of the Food for Fines program. Food for Fines lets library customers pay back their overdue fines in a way that will fight hunger in our communities throughout Benton, Franklin, and Adams counties," said Michael Huff, collections and merchandising director.
Food banks that will receive the donated items include Second Harvest Tri-Cities, Basin City Help Services, Benton City Food Bank, Othello Food Bank, Connell Food Bank, Kahlotus Food Bank, and Jubilee Ministries Prosser Food Bank.
Last year's Food for Fines drive collected more than 4,000 pounds of food and was recognized in the November 2011 issue of Food Network Magazine.
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