The Lake County Library System will forgive library fines for overdue materials in exchange for canned food donations May 1-13 as part of the county’s Food for Fines initiative. The program seeks to help local food banks while offering library patrons an opportunity to have some library fines waived.

Donations will be accepted at each of the 15 Lake County Library System libraries. Each unopened, unexpired food item with a printed expiration date will equate to $1 forgiven for library overdue fines. Patrons can also donate food items to help pay fines for children in need.

Clearing fines from children’s library cards will allow them to fully participate in the summer reading program, and potentially prevent a seasonal slump in students’ reading habits. Reading throughout the summer ideally helps students return to school in the fall with a reading level at, or slightly above, where they finished the previous spring.

Last year, the Lake County Library System received more than 2,300 food items for local community food pantries. South Lake Community Ministries, the Leesburg Food Bank, Lake Cares and Faith Neighborhood Center are among the 14 beneficiaries of the program.

Fines will not be forgiven for items that are lost, damaged or have been sent to a collection agency.

The Lake County Library System is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning through a cooperative countywide library system; engaging the community by offering physical and digital content; and offering services critical to education, research and workforce training. For more information about the Lake County Library System or to find out about future programs, call or visit your local library or go to http://mylakelibrary.org or www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLLibrary.