Prince George, B.C. – Returning late materials   on loan from the Prince George Public Library will cost you peanuts,  or rice,   or any of a  number of non perishable food items.

The Library  is launching  a “Food for Fines”  program that  will accept a non perishable  food item for a portion of the  fine for late materials.

Each  food item donated  at either of the two Prince George Library branches,  will see  $2 knocked off the late fee, up to a maximum of $30 dollars.

The  Food For Fines  campaign is on now  and will run through the  full month of December.

Food items collected  during the campaign will be donated to the Prince George Council of Seniors for their Christmas Hampers  and extras will be  distributed  among other organizations which provide hampers as well as the  local food banks..

The Prince George Council of Seniors specifically needs healthy food items appropriate for those who may be managing chronic health conditions. A wish list is available on the PGCOS website and includes items such as canned vegetables, canned fish or meat, oatmeal and other hot cereals, peanut butter, rice, barley, dried beans and pasta.

Last year,  the Food for Fines  campaign  saw the Library waive more than $530 dollars in late fees.   The program does not cover fees for lost or damaged items.