Look under your bed, behind the couch, down beside the seat in the car — wherever. You aren’t going to find a deal like this very often. Blake Library at the University of Maine at Fort Kent has declared April 27 to May 13 “Food, Not Fines Weeks”, part of a state-wide fine-amnesty-food-drive coordinated by the Maine State Library. During these weeks patrons who return their overdue items to the Blake Library will have current and past fines (not including item replacement charges or fines owed to other libraries) excused in exchange for donations of non-perishable food. One non-perishable food item per fine is required.
Recommended food items include: canned fruits/vegetables; canned meats/tuna; cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter and juices. These food donations will be redistributed to the Fort Kent Ecumenical Food Pantry.
Many Mainers have been hit hard by the recession. The USDA estimates that 14.8 percent of Maine households, or nearly 195,000 individuals, are food insecure, a number that has increased significantly in recent years. In addition, Maine ranks first in New England in terms of children who are food insecure; 21.1 percent of Maine children under age 18 lack access to sufficient food.
The Maine State Library is pleased to promote this effort. State Librarian, Linda Lord, state librarian stated, “Food Not Fines Week” is a win-win event — you relieve your conscience of those nagging overdue items, libraries get errant materials back on the shelves to share with others and together we all help our neighbors in need. Patrons without overdue books are also encouraged to bring donations of food.”
For a list of participating libraries around Maine, go to: http://www.maine.gov/msl/fines.shtml
