The Lake County Library System has announced that they will be waiving late fines in exchange for food donations, but for one month only.

If interested, one must donate food or other accepted items between May 1-31 at any local Lake County library.

Donated items must be unopened, unexpired and in their original packages, and each item donated will equal $1 of forgiven overdue fees.

The following are items eligible for this special program:

• dry food items (e.g. spaghetti, raisins, cereal)
• canned food (e.g. peas, corn, ravioli, chili)
• hygiene products (e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary napkins)
• baby products (e.g. jar of baby food, diapers, baby powder)
• packaged pet food (e.g. canned meat, dog treats, dry cat food)

According to library officials, there are no limits to the number of donations per person; however, fines will not be forgiven for library items that are lost or damaged.

Donations will be accepted at each of the 16 Lake County libraries during regular hours. Note that the Eustis Memorial Library will not accept pet food donations.

Additionally, people without fines are also encouraged to donate items as each item will be used anonymously to forgive another patron’s fines.

All donations will then be sent to local food banks and charities in Lake County to help as many people as possible.

For more details about this special program, visit mylakelibrary.org or contact your local library for details.