Bookworms and movie fanatics in the area will have the opportunity to pay off their fines with non-perishable food items through the Rhinelander Public Library’s “Food for Fines” Program. Library Director Virginia Roberts says it’s an effort to encourage people to give back to the community.
“It’s a partnership that most libraries have done with their food pantries. We have a lot of folks here who use the library and food pantry, and we are here to help, and a couple times a year if we can help a little bit more, that’s what we do.”
Roberts says for every non-perishable item donated, one dollar will be forgiven, but people can only donate food to relive five dollars worth of fines. Fines for lost or damaged items do not apply. A box for food items will be available for the entire month of September at the front desk of the library. The food will be donated to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry.
