Library accepting food for fines

Gail Borden takes donations until Nov. 14

ELGIN -- Kate Burlette calls the $1-a-day fines charged by Gail Borden Public Library for overdue video games the "extended use fees."

That, said the director of circulation services, is when a teenager hangs on to a video game much longer than the three-week checkout period "because he wants to beat the Xbox game."

But for $1 day, that same teenager might find he doesn't have the cash to pay off his overdue fines. And with outstanding fines, he can't rent the next game.

However, from now until Saturday, Nov. 14, if that teen brings in food for the library's annual Food for Fines promotion, he can pay down those fines.

"For every can of food brought in, $1 of overdue fines is cleared," said Denise Raleigh, marketing and communications director. "Customers may bring in as many cans of food as they want."

Only overdue fines will be waived, but not charges for lost or damaged material. Library staffers ask that customers not bring in cans of soda pop or other beverages, however.

The library has a generous policy toward overdue books. There is a four-day grace period on most books, and the fines are only 20 cents a day, Burlette said. "But some books, we are never going to get back."

She's seen some interesting returns, however, including books mailed from Florida, California and even Europe. "I like looking at the post stamps" to see where books come from as customers make sure they are not overdue on their books, she said.

The food collected will be distributed to the Salvation Army and the Community Crisis Center, Raleigh said.

Burlette said library staff has seen an increased need in Elgin this year for this kind of help. "There are a lot of people who have lost their jobs or who have had their house repossessed. There are a lot of difficult issues out there for our customers," Burlette said. "I thought this was a very good thing to do for the community."

Cans of food are being accepted at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave., and at the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road. More information is available from Burlette at 847-429-5977.