CULLMAN – ‘Food for Fines’ is back at the Cullman County Public Library. This Monday, the library began taking donations of canned food items in place of library fines and the drive will continue until this Friday, November 22. The library will forgive $1.00 in overdue fines for every non-perishable food item donated (canned or boxed). All food items that are collected will go to the local food banks in the Cullman community including Cullman Caring for Kids and St. Vincent De Paul.
Max Hand, Library Director at the Cullman County Public Library System said, “It’s a great way for people to clear off their fines and help others at the same time.” Hand said that the Public Library Board of Cullman County approved the program and allows the library to follow through with it every year. He has worked with the library for over 17 years and said that the program has been in existence since he started.
Lesia, an employee at the Cullman County Public Library, said that they took a load of 60 non-perishable food items last Friday, November 14 to Cullman Caring for Kids. In addition to providing food to those in need, Lesia said that ‘Food for Fines’ helps out the library patrons with large fine amounts on their accounts. “This way the payment will not be so intensive,” she said. “We would much rather take food than money.” The library is glad to receive donations from everyone, even if you do not have fines to be forgiven. Lesia said that this scenario happens quite a bit and even on a regular basis. “We just appreciate all the help we can get to try to help the community.”
Food items cannot be used to pay for lost or damaged library items. Operation hours for the Cullman County Public Library are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about ‘Food for Fines,’ contact Lesia at 256-734-2720 ext. 21 or 22 or 23. The Cullman County Public Library is located at 200 Clark Street NE, Cullman, Alabama 35055.
