FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/26/2012

Reduce library fines with canned goods in
Pflugerville Community Library's Food for Fines program January 29 - March 3

The Pflugerville Community Library's annual Food for Fines program gives members the opportunity to return overdue books to the Library, reduce fines by $1 per can and provide additional food for five Pflugerville pantries and pet items for the animal shelter.

"Partner with the Library to turn your fines into food," Library Director Lisa Charbonnet said. "The Library's delighted to join the entire Pflugerville community in stocking the pantries of hungry neighbors. We'll waive your overdue item fines at a dollar a can, collect and count lots of canned goods and deliver them to five local pantries for distribution. Come on in, leave a can-  and pick-up a new book or DVD while you're at it!"

The 2011 Food for Fines program supported four food pantries with 1216 food items and 12 pet food items, reflecting a 64.5% increase over 2010 when 739 items were donated (733 food and 6 pet items).  In 2012, the program will last five weeks with a different food pantry benefitting from the program each week. The five participating pantries are Immanuel Lutheran Church, First United Methodist, Storehouse Mission, First Baptist Church, and St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church.

The best foods to donate are canned fruit and vegetables, fruit or vegetable juice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pasta, oatmeal, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, soup, stew and tuna. Dented or damaged packaging, items in glass containers, and products past their expiration date cannot be accepted.  Donations of canned and dry pet food, pet blankets, and other pet-related products are also welcome.

Donations will be accepted at the Pflugerville Community Library during regular library hours (Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm; Friday: 10 am - 6 pm; Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm; Sunday: 1 pm - 6 pm). A separate donation drop box will be available for pet food and pet related items. Donations should be delivered during library hours and not placed in the library book drop or left outside. Food for Fines cannot be used to credit fees for lost or damaged items or for accounts in collections.

For more information visit the Pflugerville Community Library at 102 Tenth Street or call 512-251-9185. www.pflugervilletx.gov/library.

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