Today@Dal

From Mon., Feb. 8 until Sun., Feb. 28, you’ll have increased opportunities to reduce or clear your Novanet library fines by “paying” with food donations during Food for Fines.

“The program has expanded in three ways this year. We increased the value of fines waived per food item donated and we’ve removed the $50 cap on the amount of fines waived. We’re also pleased to announce that the program will run a second time this year, from Oct. 17–Nov. 6,” said Elaine MacInnis, Associate University Librarian, Access Services and Head of the MacRae & Killam Libraries.

For every non-perishable food item donated, the Dalhousie Libraries will reduce library fines by $3 (that’s up from $2 per item in previous years). Food donations will be given to the Dalhousie Student Union Food Bank, Feed Nova Scotia (recommended items include cereal, pasta, canned vegetables, soups, and stews), and the Colchester Food Bank (for donations made at the MacRae Library on the Agricultural Campus). Donations of canned goods or other non-perishable foods can be brought to the front desk at any of the five Dalhousie Libraries during regular hours. Cash donations are also accepted.

“Students love Food for Fines as a way to pay off their fines while helping their community. Dalhousie faculty and staff can also pay off their fines this way. Even if you don’t have fines we welcome your donations!” said Elaine. “What started at Dalhousie more than ten years ago has grown to be a provincewide initiative including all of the Novanet libraries,” said Elaine.

Last year, the five Dalhousie Libraries collected 551 food items and $213.25 in cash donations. A total of $913.50 in fines were waived in exchange for food donations. Food items were divided between the Dalhousie Student Union Food Bank, Feed Nova Scotia and the Colchester Food Bank. Across Novanet, which includes all university and college libraries in Nova Scotia, a total of 1,817 food items were collected, as well as $609.25 in cash donations.