Food for fines: Chelsea Public Library holding food drive

For those who have racked up late fees at the Chelsea Public Library, they can be removed with food donations.

The library is hosting an Amnesty Food Drive from Oct. 21 through Nov. 9. For each item donated (canned or boxed food), $1 in fines will be waived (applicable to Chelsea Library late fees only), up to $5 per visit. Expiration dates must be visible and legible, and all donations collected will go to Heavenly Smiles, a local food pantry in Chelsea.

The first food drive started during the 2015 summer reading program. After that, the library began using the fine amnesty in partnership with a food drive and Food for Fines was born.

“We have had success in previous years and look forward to another great year,” library Director Dana Polk said. “We have chosen to partner with Heavenly Smiles because they are local and in our community. It is important to us that we support our local charities, and we want to support and encourage our community.”

The library is also gearing up for its Winter Reading program this month. Programs will be available for all ages and divided by age groups: preschool, kindergarten through fifth grade (kids), sixth through 12th grade (teens) and adults. Participants will have the opportunity to be in the drawing for prizes donated by local businesses.

“We are thrilled for our winter reading program this year,” Children’s and Programming Director Emily Sims said. “This is our second winter program. Last year we had a trial run with our new programming system, ReadSquared, and it went great. We look forward to another successful winter this year.”

The Winter Reading program runs from Nov. 25 until Jan. 4. For more information, visit chelsealibraryonline.com.