CALS “Food for Fines” Program Back for Another Year

Food for Fines is returning to the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) this holiday season. December 12 – 18, patrons are invited to bring non-perishable food items to any CALS library to offset overdue fines on their accounts. Food will be donated to the Arkansas Foodbank and Partners for Progress in Perryville.

For each non-perishable item brought, fines will be reduced by one dollar; patrons may bring up to twenty-five non-perishable items to offset up to $25 worth of fines. CALS encourages patrons to donate to the food drive even if they don’t have any fines and will apply additional “funds” to randomly selected accounts. Fines accrued for billed items or replacement fees are not eligible under the program.

This year, particularly, food banks are being used heavily by people needing a little extra help feeding their families. One in every five people in Arkansas do not know where their next meal is coming from. Food for Fines is a unique way to help give back to the community while also chipping away at any fines that may have accumulated throughout the year. Recommended items for the holiday season include canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; boxes meals and pastas; canned gravies; mashed potato mix; and boxed stuffing. While all non-perishable items are welcome, they are requesting no glass or homemade items.

About CALS
The Central Arkansas Library System includes 15 branch libraries located in Little Rock, Perryville, and throughout Pulaski County. CALS has the largest research collection in central Arkansas. Most of its more than one million items may be reserved online and picked up at any branch that is convenient to the patron. Library Square, the library system’s downtown Little Rock campus, includes the Main Library, as well as the Ron Robinson Theater, the Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Art, and the Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square.