The Sechelt Public Library is celebrating Valentine's Day by redirecting one week's worth of revenues from overdue fines back to the community.All fines collected between Feb. 14 and 21 will be donated to the Sechelt Food Bank.Library users will be able to clear their overdues, have their borrowing privileges restored (if their fines balance was over $5) and help the food bank at the same time - and they will get a free ticket on a draw for a new DVD player. "On Valentine's Day and the following week, your money will work three times as hard," said chief librarian Iris Loewen. "You'll feel good, the food bank and its clients will benefit at a rough time of year, and you'll get a chance to win the DVD player!"Loewen said the library stands to benefit by having its overdue fines balance reduced and perhaps long-overdue items returned. Of the library's 6,900 registered users, 1,500 have outstanding fines. These range from as little as .20 to almost $50.In 2003 the Sechelt Food Bank assisted 10,483 individuals by providing 4,679 bags of food. What the food bank needs most, according to administrator Susan Towers, is money.This project is a variation of a similar program held by a library in Ontario. At the Waterloo Regional Library system, overdue fines were forgiven with a donation of food or cash to the local food bank. Other libraries have also used this idea.The new DVD player being raffled off was originally donated to the Library by the National Film Board last December. All those who pay their fines or check out a book, tape, CD or video from Feb. 14 to 21 will be eligible to enter the draw. Contact the Library at 604-885-3260 for more information.
