Natchitoches Parish Library’s (NPL) “Fine ForGIVING” program has returned and is offering several unique opportunities for patrons to give back to the community while simultaneously reducing fines on their accounts. Whether it be canned food, pet food, coats, toys, or gently used Halloween costumes, items can be donated at either library branch location to be distributed back into the community. And if you do not have fines… that is fine too! You can still drop off your donations to help your community.
Canned goods, which must be clean, unexpired, and at least eight ounces, may be donated for a $2 reduction in fines per can. Food will be re-distributed to local food banks, which see increased use during the holiday season. New and gently used coats/jackets can be donated for a $15 reduction per coat. The NPL will also be accepting dog and cat food for a $2 reduction per can and $5 per five pounds of dry food. New and Unopened toys will be accepted for a $10 reduction. The above fine reductions may only be applied to overdue or late fines, not fines resulting from lost or damaged items or other account charges.
For those with lost or damaged-item charges (excluding laptops, mobile hotspots, and launchpads) the NPL will also be accepting new and gently used costumes for a $15 fine reduction. If only a partial costume (mask/cape/etc.) is donated, $5 will be deducted from the account. This can be applied toward overdue fines, late fines, and non-electronic lost or damaged item charges. Costumes will be cleaned and circulated at the NPL next October.