The Williams County Public Library in Bryan and its branches in Edgerton, Edon, Pioneer, Stryker, and West Unity will again be collecting food and other items for the needy during the month of November in an effort to give back to the communities that support them. The libraries will be holding a “Food for Fines” drive. All foods that are brought in to the libraries will remain in the community where they are donated and be given to local food pantries.
For the “Food for Fines” program, patrons who bring in boxed or canned, non-perishable food items will be given a “Food for Fines’ coupon good towards up to fifty cents off an overdue fine at the library for each item that they donate. Some possible suggestions of food items to be donated include: peanut butter, chunky soups, canned meats, canned tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, canned juice, hot and cold boxed cereals, macaroni and cheese mixes, pasta, pasta sauces, rice or noodle mixes, coffee, and teas. It is requested that items be in boxes or cans and not in glass containers. Other non-food items will also be accepted such as toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, tissues, hand soap, laundry and dish detergent, cleaning products, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products.
The following restrictions will apply for the “Food for Fines” coupons. These coupons will not be valid toward the payment of lost items or toward the debt collect fee. These coupons will not be redeemable for cash, and no change will be given if the fine being paid is less than the coupon value amount. The coupons will have an expiration date of March 31, 2013. For questions or further information on this program, please contact Jeff Yahraus at the library at 419-636-6734.