Today is day one of the Norfolk County Public Library’s Christmas-time Fine Free Week.
That was Belinda Smith, Marketing and Communications Coordinator with the Library.
Instead of paying outstanding fines with money, Library users can donate non-perishable food items or toiletries at any NCPL branch.
Smith says it’s easy for late fees to sneak up on people, especially during the busy holiday season, when returning items on time isn’t always top of mind.
Depending on the item, those fees can add up quickly — with movies, for example, costing a dollar per day for each day they’re overdue.
And once your account reaches $15 in fines, you’re unable to check out anything else until the balance is cleared.
Instead of paying out of pocket, residents can bring in donations that will be sent to local food banks and the Little Free Pantry, helping ensure community members facing food insecurity have a brighter, more comfortable holiday season.
The Library does ask donors to be mindful of what they bring in.
Smith notes that they cannot accept razors or any opened products.
Fine Free Week is part of NCPL’s ongoing commitment to giving back three times a year — ahead of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — as a way to support both Library users and the broader community.