The Provincial Library Service has introduced a new program to help local food banks by collecting nonperishable food items in lieu of library fees.
Gail Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and Minister responsible for the Provincial Library Service, remarked that, "the Food for Fees Program offers an opportunity for library staff and members of the community to support community food banks while clearing up outstanding accounts."
This program began April 1 and will continue through May 31, 2001. For each item of food donated, any overdue book fees will be reduced by $2.0, and all food donations will go to local community food banks. Individuals may also donate food items if they have no fees to pay but would like to help. Suggested food items include canned goods, powdered milk, baby formula and dried pasta or rice.
In the future, library users may avoid late fee charges by returning library materials on time or by renewing the materials before the due date. Unless there is a request on the materials from another user, there are three ways to renew library materials. Staff will renew materials over the phone, books may be renewed at the library or by visiting the library website at www.library.pe.ca. At the website, follow the link to Abbycat, go to Review Patron Record, enter your library card number and PIN (usually the last four digits of your phone number unless you have changed it), and select the items to be renewed.