UCCS students can absolve themselves of library fines, strike a bargain and feed the needy all at once through the inaugural Food for Fines program in place from Nov.1 through Dec.7 at the Kraemer Family Library.
If returning a book a bit late or forgetting what time a course reserve item was due resulted in a fine, the transgressor may redeem himself by paying in canned goods instead of cash.
According to Carla Myers, assistant professor and access services librarian, Kraemer Family Library, every non-perishable food item brought in to the Main Circulation Desk is worth a $1 credit toward library fines. There is no limit on the number of food items one may bring in, but the offer cannot be used to pay for the replacement costs of lost items.
“I remember what it was like to be a student,” Myers said. “I was always broke. So a 69 cent can of peas or soup or tuna to pay off a dollar in fines is a savings of 31 cents, and every penny counts.”
She noted that a shrewd shopper can take advantage of holiday sales to get the lowest possible price on a food item, and that item is still worth a dollar in paying off a fine. Moreover, the food will go to someone in need of it. Groceries collected at the library will be contributed to the annual Holiday Service Project’s food drive and will ultimately be given to UCCS community families in need.
“Besides saving some money and taking care of the fines, I think it gives students a sense of satisfaction to be helping people in need,” Myers said. “Student response to this has been very positive.”
Food for Fines and similar programs have been used elsewhere, Myers said, but this is the first time the Kraemer Family Library is featuring the offer. If successful, it may become an annual event.
Myers and other library personnel also invite food donations from people who do not owe fines. Questions about Food for Fines may be directed to the circulation department, 255-3296.
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