The Redwood City Public Library, in partnership with the San Mateo County Library and Second Harvest Food Bank, presents a unique way to both clear up unpaid library fines, and build community by donating food to those in need. It's the fifth annual "Food-for-Fines" program, which allows library patrons to pay-off their library fines by donating food from mid-November through December. In addition to the Redwood City and San Mateo County library systems, participating libraries include those in Daly City, City of San Mateo, and South San Francisco.

Anyone with outstanding library fines is invited to deliver nonperishable food items to any Redwood City Library during regular business hours. Those library patrons with unpaid fines are encouraged to donate food, and they'll leave the library with a cleared account and the great feeling of having helped others as the holidays approach.

All food collected will be provided to Second Harvest Food Bank, and of course everyone is encouraged to donate food to help those in need, even if they don't owe any library fines - each library has a special Second Harvest Food Bank bin where donated food items can be placed. In past years, between both the Redwood City Library and other participating libraries, "Food For Fines" collected nearly two dozen TONS of food, feeding over 1,000 families for one week each, and cleared fines for thousands of library users.

Over 45.5 million pounds of nutritious food is delivered annually by Second Harvest Food Bank to low income people in need in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. The majority of these people are children and seniors. These millions of pounds of food are provided free of charge to over 300 local nonprofit agencies at more than 700 sites, including pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after-school programs.

Please note that food donations as part of the Food for Fines program cannot be applied towards the cost of lost or damaged library items, collection fees, or printing fees. The program is only valid for fines and fees from libraries in Redwood City and San Mateo County Libraries, and other participating libraries. Libraries can accept only store-sealed items, and cannot accept glass containers.

The “Food for Fines” holiday food drive presents a great opportunity for the people of Redwood City and the entire County to give back to the community, and to utilize and enjoy the great collections, programs, and activities that the Library offers, including best sellers, downloadable audiobooks and ebooks, computer classes, music, movies, story times, author events, and much, much more.

The award winning Redwood City Public Library connects the community and inspires a love of reading and learning through innovative, visionary programming and services such as literacy programs, access to technology, and safe, inviting spaces for youth and families. It's all online at www.redwoodcity.org/library.

Visit Redwood City's award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, events, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City's email newsletter and other City documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/newsletters