>UPDATE: FOOD-FOR-FINES WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! 325 POUNDS OF FOOD ITEMS WERE DONATED TO THE FILLMORE COUNTY FOOD SHELF IN PRESTON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Dear Library Friends and Supporters:

While it’s a time for sharing and caring this holiday season, the Lanesboro Public Library Board has approved a program that will allow patrons to clear their late fees and help those in need at the same time. During the week of December 4th – 9th, the Lanesboro Public Library will partner with the Fillmore County Food Shelf on FOOD-FOR-FINES, where patrons can pay their fines with food instead of cash. For each non-perishable food item brought to the Library that week, a patron will get $2.00 off their fine. All food items will be donated to the Fillmore County Food Shelf in time to help someone in need this holiday season. Right now, the Food Shelf really needs canned fruits; more detail is below.

In addition to increasing and changing Library open hours starting in January, the Library Board also voted that the maximum fine limit will decrease from $20.00 to $5.00, starting Jan. 2nd. In other words, patrons with $5.00 or more in unpaid fines will be unable to use the Library until those fees are paid. (There will be a grace period until Feb. 5th). The Library is also concerned about patrons who may not be using the Library because of their unpaid fines. The FOOD-FOR-FINES program has been successful at many other libraries and is a win-win for the community and Library. It offers patrons an incentive to clear up their Library records in time for the New Year and to make a donation that will benefit a worthy local cause during this season of giving. You don’t have to have a Library fine to donate!

Food-For-Fines Guidelines:
• Yes – transferable – give the gift of a fine payment!
• Applies only to current fines
• Does not apply to lost or damaged items
• All Food Shelf donations should be non-perishable and non-expired

We look forward to seeing you next week!

—————————————————————————

At the present time, the Fillmore County Food Shelf is low on the following items:
Canned fruit – this is a critical need at the moment
Flour
Sugar
Cooking oil and Crisco
Cream soups for cooking (like cream of mushroom)
Toilet paper
Laundry soap
Other personal hygiene products: shampoo, anti-perspirant, feminine hygiene products, etc.

Other Fillmore County Food Shelf needs include:
Soups – any kind
Cereals – dry, cooked, instant
Pastas – macaroni, spaghetti, noodles
Rice – Uncle Ben’s, Minute, etc.
Hamburger Helper
Canned meats – tuna, salmon, spam, etc.
Canned vegetables
Potatoes – dehydrated, instant
Spaghettios, ravioli – things kids like
Cake mixes and other baking supplies
Jams and jellies
Peanut butter
Canned juices
Pancake or baking mix
Pop Tarts or Toast ‘Ems
Spaghetti sauce
Kleenex
Dish soap
Hand soap
Toothpaste
Paper towels