Reduce Library fines with Food for Fines Program

By Marketing and Communications | 02-02-2015

The Texas A&M University Libraries will host its second annual Food for Fines event Feb. 16-21 to help reduce library fines in exchange for non-perishable food items. All food donations will go to the 12th Can Food Pantry, a student-run food pantry located at Texas A&M that serves all students, faculty and staff in need of assistance. For each donation, $1 will be credited toward a fine on a University Libraries user account, up to a maximum of $50 per person. No money will be exchanged; patrons will be given a receipt for their donation and will receive account credit within 24 hours. The Food for Fines program excludes replacement fees for lost or damaged items and billed items.

Eligible food items include peanut butter (plastic jars only), canned fruits, vegetables, chicken, tuna or soups; cereal and pasta. Please note: No glass jars will be accepted, and no opened, repackaged or expired food items will be accepted. Participants can drop off donations Monday through Friday, Feb. 16-21, at the following library locations:

• Sterling C. Evans Library AskUs Desk
• West Campus Library AskUs Desk
• Policy Sciences and Economics Library AskUs Desk
• Medical Sciences Library AskUs Desk

“We are very excited to be working with the 12th Can Pantry [this year],” said Tonya Carter, University Libraries Food for Fines coordinator. “Last year we collected over 500 lbs. of food, which was awesome. This year we are hoping to pass that mark. The Libraries encourages everyone without fines to also donate, as it all goes to a worthy cause.”

For questions about the program, contact Tonya Carter at tcarter89@library.tamu.edu or call (979) 458-1439.