FRONT ROYAL — Library patrons with overdue fines can work them off this month by donating food and hygiene items, as Samuels Public Library revives its Food for Fines program.
Through November, the library will accept non-perishable food and personal hygiene products at its Front Royal location. Cardholders who bring in a donation earn a $0.25 credit toward overdue fees for each day they give. Credits can wipe out up to $10 in fines.
Donations received through Nov. 21 will go to Camping for Hunger, the annual drive run by The River 95.3 and WFTR/Fox Sports 1450 to benefit the Front Royal-Warren County Community Action Program’s (C-CAP) pantry. On-air personalities from the stations will camp overnight at the Royal Plaza Shopping Center from Nov. 16 to Nov. 21 to promote the effort.
The drive is in its 18th year. Since 2008, it has brought in more than 232,000 pounds of food and supplies, along with more than $171,000 in cash and gift cards. C-CAP Executive Director Joanne Koszyk said each year’s haul covers roughly eight to nine months of the pantry program’s needs.
Anything the library collects after Nov. 21 will go to other local food pantries, nonprofits and blessing boxes around Warren County.
Library Executive Director Erin Rooney said the program fits the library’s broader mission. “Samuels Public Library’s mission is to bring people, ideas, and information together to enrich lives and build community,” Rooney said. “Food for Fines is one way the Library builds connections throughout our community by giving our patrons the opportunity to support their neighbors.”
Patrons can get a full list of accepted items by contacting the library or visiting samuelslibrary.net.
About the library: Founded in 1799 and renamed Samuels Public Library in 1952, the library was the second in Virginia to receive a charter. In the last fiscal year, it signed up 1,924 new cardholders, hosted 1,312 in-person and virtual programs with 25,667 attendees, and recorded 397,546 checkouts. It draws more than 132,000 visitors a year.
Edited by Dan McDermott
