Mid-Columbia Libraries kick off Food for Fines

Patrons of Mid-Columbia Libraries looking to pay down any fines and help those in need are invited to donate nonperishable food to satisfy outstanding balances.

And anyone who donates food not eligible for fine reductions will be entered into a drawing for a several gift cards for Tri-City area restaurants.

The library district annually offers its Food for Fines program, with each food item donated by a patron counting as a $1 off of their balance of outstanding fines, with a $10 maximum equivalent food donation. All food is donated to area food banks. Last year’s collection yielded 7,900 pounds of food.

The new drawing this year includes the possibility of winning a year of free pizza from Papa John’s. Patrons may enter the drawing as much as they like, but can only win a single prize. The drawing will be Jan. 8.

This story was originally published November 29, 2015 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Mid-Columbia Libraries kick off Food for Fines."