The Lake County Library System will once again offer its annual “Food for Fines” initiative to patrons throughout the month of May. From May 1 to May 31, library fines and overdue material fees will be forgiven in exchange for donations of nonperishable food items, hygiene and baby products, and packaged pet food.

Donations will be accepted at each of the 16 Lake County libraries during regular hours (the Umatilla Public Library will not be accepting pet food donations). Each unopened, unexpired item will equate to $1 forgiven for overdue library fines. There are no limits to the number of donations per person, though fines will not be forgiven for library items that are lost or damaged.

Those without fines are also encouraged to donate items, as each item will be used anonymously to forgive another patron’s fines. All donations will be sent to local food banks and charities in Lake County.

Clearing fines, especially for children’s library cards, will allow individuals to participate in the library’s summer programs and earn prizes for reading. Summer reading keeps students engaged while school is out, and it helps build upon their academic lessons.

“This program offers library patrons a chance to have their library fines waived while also helping to get food and other essentials to those in need,” said George Taylor, director of the Lake County Library System. “We encourage everyone to get involved and pay it forward!”

For more information about the Lake County Library System or to find out about future programs and resources, call or visit your local library, or go to https://mylakelibrary.org or www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLLibrary.