Library Penance: Donated Food Wipes out Overdue Fines

Been meaning to return that stack of books or overdue CD or DVD to the library but just haven't gotten around to it?

Throughout the month of December, all 12 branches of the San Mateo County Library system will forgive overdue fines for those who bring back their borrowed materials accompanied by any amount of nonperishable boxed or canned food.

Simply stop in during regular library hours with your donation and library fines and fees will be waived.  All collected food is donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

“There is a growing need for feeding the hungry in San Mateo County” said San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom.

Further, “This is a wonderful opportunity to provide food for those in need in our community, while clearing up fines and resuming greater use of our outstanding library system.”

She also encourages everyone in the community – whether or not they owe fines—to donate food at the library to help people in need this holiday season. 

Each year, Second Harvest Food Bank distributes more than 45.5 million pounds of nutritious food to low-income people in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Most are children and seniors. The millions of pounds of food are provided free to 326 local nonprofit agencies at more than 700 sites, including pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after-school programs.

Food for Fines is a collaboration between the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, San Mateo County Library, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

The Atherton library is located at 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane. For more information, or for library hours, click here.

The Menlo Park Main library is located at 800 Alma Street. For more information, or for library hours, click here.

The Menlo Park Belle Haven library is located at 413 Ivy Drive. For more information, or for library hours, click here.