Taking sting out of fines

Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

Here's a great way to feed both mind and body.

According to The Associated Press, the Wethersfield, Conn., library will now allow patrons to pay overdue charges with food pantry donations. The "Food for Fines" campaign began in June and lets patrons erase fines up to a year old. (Damaged or lost books still must be paid for with cash.)

Laurel Goodgion, library director, said it's a win-win for everyone, since it gets books back while giving people a way to make tangible donations to the poor. Fines can be paid with either non-perishable food or toiletries.

No one would promote keeping library books off the shelf just to increase food pantry donations, but who hasn't misplaced a borrowed book or missed a due date? It's embarrassing. Making up for that oversight with a donation for the poor can take the sting out of the embarrassment - and take a little sting out of hunger too.

Maybe a few areas libraries will consider a similar alternative to cash fines. Both mind and body would benefit.