During National Library Week, April 23-29, the Peoria public libraries will be accepting food donations to reduce library fines.

The libraries will accept non-perishable food items as payment for outstanding library fines with all food going to the HART (Helping At Risk Teens) Pantry.

For every item donated, library patrons will have 50 cents of their outstanding overdue fines waived.

Donations are accepted at the front desks at either the Main Peoria Public Library or the Sunrise Mountain Library. Donated items will be counted toward overdue fines only and cannot be counted toward lost or damaged items.

The city welcome everyone in the community to participate, whether they have an overdue fine or not – all donations will benefit at-risk teens in the community. Homemade items cannot be accepted – please refer to the list of recommended items.

“Peoria public libraries seek to connect with our community through our numerous outreach programs. By supporting HART Pantry and their mission to provide food to teens in crisis, we connect with our community to have basic needs met,” said Nathaniel Washburn, library and cultural services manager. “These young people may be homeless, living in shelters, with a friend or in a crisis situation at home with no parent or guardian able to provide care or protection. Working with local school and community counselors, HART Pantry strives to provide these teens with needed items.”

Suggested donations include:

Any single serve items
Juice boxes
Canned pasta (pop-top lid)