BEVERLY HILLS—To celebrate National Library Week and the “Libraries = Strong Communities” campaign, the Beverly Hills Library will accept non-perishable food items in place of fines for its annual “Food for Fines” program from Sunday, April 7 thru Sunday, April 14.
The city of Beverly Hills indicated that the BHL will collect food donations to benefit the Westside Food Bank and waive fines during its normal operating hours. Dana Beesen, Publicist for the city of Beverly Hills told Canyon News via email that only non-perishable food items will be accepted. Beesen added that pet food will not be accepted.
“Food-For-Fines is a wonderful opportunity to return overdue books and have library fees waived in exchange for non-perishable food donations,” said Marilyn Taniguchi, Library Services Manager. “Whether you have library fines or not, everyone in the community is invited to drop-off food donations.”
For every one non-perishable food donation, the library will waive up to $5 in fines for adults. Children who come to the circulation desk will have fines waived with or without donations. In past years, the library collected barrels of food sent to children in need, low-income families, unemployed and underemployed individuals, homeless people and others in need in our community.
The “Libraries = Strong Communities” campaign is a national advocacy effort that places the spotlight on the value of academic, public, and school libraries. The Beverly Hills Library provides a variety of services to the community including story time, Puppet Theater, tutoring and literary services, research services, passport services, book groups, a whole host of digital media services and so much more.
The city of Beverly Hills is urging residents to celebrate Beverly Hills Public Library and staff for the work they do by posting pictures of how the library helps you using hashtag #BHLibraryWeek.
The Beverly Hills Public Library has been offering the program annually during National Library Week since 2010.
The Beverly Hills Library is located at 444 N. Rexford Drive. For more details about National Library Week and to learn about free services the library provides, contact the Beverly Hills Public Library at Library at (310) 288-2222.
