From the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library:

For a limited time, Sylvan Lake Municipal Library will accept food donations to pay off library fines  

From November 1-16, people who have fines attached to their Sylvan Lake Municipal Library card can pay them off by paying it forward. During the Food for Fines promotion, the library will forgive fines in exchange for donations of non-perishable food items.

Each non-perishable food item donated erases $2 in fines for late books, up to a maximum of $50 per library card. Fines for lost or damaged items are not eligible for the Food for Fines promotion. Food items that are past their best-before, sell-by or expiration dates cannot be accepted.  

Food for Fines supports the library’s Little Free Pantry, a no-questions-asked resource for anyone in need.

In 2017, the number of food items donated during Food for Fines could have covered three times the fines that were actually waived. 

“We know that the people who use our library are eager to help their community. We’re just giving them an opportunity,” says Andrea Newland, Library Director.

Anyone with questions about Food for Fines or the Little Free Pantry can email sylvan.library@prl.ab.ca or call 403-887-2130.