Pay off library fines by donating food to charity

Tardy borrowers can get back in the good books at a Melbourne council’s libraries, by donating food staples to the needy and erasing overdue fines in the charitable process.

By donating food, tardy book borrowers can score themselves a clean slate in library fines. Photo: File

Lazy borrowers can again get back into Moonee Valley’s good books by donating food to erase their overdue fines.

For a second time, Moonee Valley Council is easing library debts and helping a charity at the same time.

Borrowers at any Moonee Valley library council’s libraries can pay off their fines by making donations of food and other winter goods from May 20 to June 30.

MORE MOONEE VALLEY NEWS:

MOONEE VALLEY COUNCIL’S BOLD PLAN FOR FLEMINGTON

MOONEE PONDS CREEK: PETITION TO REMOVE CONCRETE

MARIBYRNONG COUNCIL MEETING GETS HEATED ON RATES

The food and goods will be donated to Helping Hands Mission.

Donation bins will be set up at all five council libraries.

Fines of $2000 a month are racked up at each of the five ­libraries — Ascot Vale, Avondale Heights, Flemington, Moonee Ponds and Niddrie.

Helping Hands Mission chief executive Melanie Kent is encouraging people to donate.

The Food for Fines program wiped thousands in library debts when it was first introduced in January.

Moonee Valley mayor Narelle Sharpe said she was encouraging people to donate staple items that people need to get by each day.

“We’re asking residents to donate necessities such as non-perishable foods and toiletries, so people in need can have one less thing to worry about as we approach winter,” Cr Sharpe said.

Helping Hands Mission communications manager Maddy Kirby said much-needed items include winter foods such as canned soup, rice and pasta, and toiletries, baby items and pet food.

“Not only does this partnership give our pantry access to more food, it also increases awareness of the charity in the local community,” Ms Kirby said.

[e-mail]