Monday 23 December 2019

Library members in the Geelong region have displayed their generous community spirit, donating more than two metric tons of food during the 2019 Food for Fines appeal.

Geelong Regional Libraries is part of a worldwide network of libraries which support the Food for Fines concept, wherein library fines are waived in return for the donation of non-perishable food items.

The food donated during the appeal was passed on to the Geelong Food Relief Centre, a not-for-profit organisation which assists local people experiencing food insecurity through the supply of nutritious food.

This year’s campaign ran from Monday 18 November to Friday 13 December, and during this time a record 2,205 kilograms of food was collected at library branches - 635 kilograms more than was collected during the 2018 campaign.

Cr Ron Nelson, Chair of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, said that it is wonderful to see the community rally around local people in need.

“The Food for Fines campaign provides an easy and practical way for local people to support a worthwhile cause in the lead up to the festive season,” Cr Nelson said.

“Offering amnesty from overdue book fines in exchange for food donations is a simple idea, but the incredible results we have seen this year prove just what a successful campaign it is. We are very grateful to our library members for donating so generously and embracing the spirit of giving this Christmas,” Cr Nelson said.

In addition to supporting a worthwhile local charity, the Food for Fines campaign successfully encourages people who may have stopped using the library due to overdue fines to return to visiting and borrowing.

The Geelong Food Relief Centre continues to see the demand for Emergency Food Relief grow across the Greater Geelong region, and the festive season is a particularly busy time for the organisation.