HOUGHTON - For the rest of this month, Portage Lake District Library patrons can wipe away their library debts - and benefit the community in the process.
The library is in the middle of its annual Food for Fines campaign. People can use non-perishable food items to pay up to $10 in overdue fines. Those who do not wish to donate food can also give money.
"People are always very generous," said Chris Alquist, community programming director at the library. "They bring in extra."
The program has been a staple at the library since before it moved to the Huron Street location. This year's edition began at the start of December and will continue through January.
"It is something we want to do to give back to the community, and encourage others to share with those who are less fortunate," Alquist said.
The program applies only to overdue fines, not money owed for lost or damaged materials. People are asked not to bring foods close to their expiration dates.
Food donations have been light so far, Alquist said, although they have gotten "quite a bit of money."
Donations are being split among Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul. For Little Brothers, people are encouraged to bring small, individual-sized portions.
"Folks over there said that's what they prefer, because they're living by themselves," Alquist said.
For more information, call the library at 482-4570 or visit pldl.org.
