Food for Fines Returns to Lake County

Lake County – The Lake County Library System will once again offer its annual Food for Fines initiative to library patrons from May 1 to 31.  During the month of May, library fines and overdue materials will be forgiven in exchange for donations of dry or canned food items, hygiene and baby products, and packaged pet food.

Donations will be accepted at each of the 16 Lake County libraries during regular hours.  Each unopened, unexpired item will equate to $1 forgiven for overdue library fines. There are no limits to the number of donations per person, though fines will not be forgiven for library items that are lost or damaged.  Those without fines are also encouraged to donate items as each item will be used anonymously to forgive another patron’s fines.  All donations will be sent to local food banks and charities in Lake County. 

Clearing fines, especially for children’s library cards, will allow individuals to participate in the library’s summer programs and earn prizes for reading.  Summer reading keeps students engaged and active while school is out and helps build upon their academic lessons.  “This program offers library patrons a chance to have their library fines waived while also offering a helping hand to those in need,” said Lindsay Platt, Associate Director of the Lake County Library System. “We encourage everyone to get involved and pay it forward!”

Updates to our Food for Fines initiative for 2026 include that the Umatilla Public Library will not be accepting pet food donations, and that the Leesburg Public Library will be accepting donations beginning Monday, May 11, once they have reopened after scheduled building maintenance.

For more information about the Lake County Library System or to find out about future programs and resources, call or visit your local library or check us out on socials at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLLibrary