Patrons can pay library fines with food

Posted: Jan 12, 2009 05:31 PM CST WKRN Channel 2 News The Nashville Public Library is teaming up with the Second Harvest Food Bank for its third "Food for Fines" campaign. For the next 10 days, members with overdue fines can pay with food, instead of cash. "We thought this was the perfect way to allow our patrons to get their accounts current, half their overdue fines and do something really good for the hungry in the community by trading in $1 for one canned good," explained Deanna Larson. Customers seem to like the idea. "I went down, got some cans of food came up here, got my fines taken care of," said Terry Harris. "Somebody gets a good meal tonight and [I] and the library are square where I can get on the Internet and get in touch with my family again." Last year's Food for Fines drive went so well, the libraries collected more than 44,000 pounds of food. Second Harvest Food Bank officials said they've seen the need increase 22% over the last year. The Food for Fines campaign continues through January 22. Peanut butter, canned goods, macaroni and cheese and dried items, like rice and beans, are among the most needed items.