Forget to return that library book or DVD on time? Now is your chance to clear your overdue fines while helping those in need this holiday season. Join San Mateo County Libraries in the fight against hunger by participating in our Food for Fines program, a community food drive. Donating just one unit of food will waive ALL fines from past due items for one account.
This year’s program begins on Thursday, November 1 and runs through Monday, December 31. Once again, we are partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank, opens a new window (SHFB), the County of San Mateo, opens a new window, and other libraries in the Peninsula to expand this great cause across the County. Look for donation barrels at all the participating libraries listed below:
SAN MATEO COUNTY LIBRARIES: Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica Sanchez, Pacifica Sharp Park, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside
BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY: Burlingame, opens a new window, Easton, opens a new window
COLLEGE LIBRARIES: Cañada College Library, opens a new window, College of San Mateo Library, opens a new window, Skyline College Library, opens a new window
DALY CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Bayshore, opens a new window, John Daly, opens a new window, Serramonte, opens a new window, Westlake, opens a new window
REDWOOD CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Redwood City Downtown, opens a new window, Fair Oaks, opens a new window, Schaberg, opens a new window, Redwood Shores, opens a new window
SAN BRUNO PUBLIC LIBRARY: Main Library, opens a new window
SAN MATEO PUBLIC LIBRARY: San Mateo City Downtown Main, opens a new window, Hillsdale, opens a new window, Marina, opens a new window
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY: Main Library, opens a new window, Grand, opens a new window
A primary goal for Food for Fines is to eliminate barriers to library access while also assisting those who are struggling to put food on the table. Patrons can give to the community and get their library account back in good standing as we close out the 2018 year.
Food must be in store-sealed cans, boxes, or plastic containers within its expiration date. Glass containers, perishable food, or opened containers cannot be accepted. Donations will waive library overdue fines only, not fees for lost or damaged items. Home-made or home-canned items are not accepted.
According to Second Harvest Food Bank, the most needed non-perishable items are:
- Tuna & Canned Meat
- Peanut Butter
- Low-Sodium Canned Soups & Chili
- Rice & Dry Beans
- No-Sugar Added Canned Fruits
- Low-Sodium Canned Vegetables
- Granola Bars
- Cereal
Last year, participating libraries collected a total of 36,531 pounds of food partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank who distributes more than 65 million pounds of nutritious food to low-income people annually in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Most recipients are children and seniors. The millions of pounds of food are provided free to 309 local nonprofit agencies at more than 900 sites, including pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after-school programs.
For more information call (650) 574-4842 ext. 227.
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