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Tacoma Public Libraries collects more than 18,000 items for food banks with Food for Fines program

Tacoma Library’s Food for Fines program collected 18,560 nonperishable items to benefit local food banks, in exchange for forgiving overdue fees.

ALEXIS KRELL; Staff writer
Published: March 13, 2013 at 2:54 a.m. PDT — Updated: March 13, 2013 at 6:35 a.m. PDT
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Josef and Therese Walker are turning in packaged food to take care of $160 worth of library fines at the Moore branch of Tacoma Public Library on Friday as part of the Food for Fines program to obtain food for local food banks. The couple purchased the items at a supermarket after learning of the program. (PETER HALEY/Staff photographer)

Program cuts library fines

BY ALEXIS KRELL

Staff writer

Tacoma Library’s Food for Fines program collected 18,560 nonperishable items to benefit local food banks in exchange for forgiving overdue fees.

During the three-week program, which ended Saturday, fees held by library patrons were reduced by $24,284.50.

That figure includes patrons who paid their fines in cash, as well as those who exchanged three donated items for $10 deducted from their overdue tab.

The program was to end March 2 but was extended to March 9 after participation showed no sign of easing.

“If it wasn’t slowing down, why not extend it?” spokesman David Domkoski said. “Tacoma responded. Tacoma really cared.”

At the end of the program, 1,097 patrons no longer have fines, and 1,125 joined the library or rejoined after their accounts expired.

Alexis Krell: 253-597-8268

alexis.krell@thenewstribune.com

blog.thenewstribune.com/crime

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