Donate food to reduce fines at MH Public Library

By Samantha Johnson Special to the News on July 2, 2022.

While Medicine Hat Public Library has done Food for Fines initiatives in the past, it will now be something that runs every Thursday.

The library chose to do Food for Fines each Thursday because many libraries, such as in Calgary and Edmonton, have moved to having no fines.

Gillian Reimer, head of marketing services at MHPL, explained, “Lots of libraries are moving in that direction because it is one less barrier to using the library, especially for low-income families.

“Things happen and sometimes it’s difficult to get the books back on time and then fines rack up and now they aren’t using the library anymore because once the fine limit is reached, it prevents further borrowing.”

MHPL wants to go in a similar direction of removing fines but aren’t in a financial position to do so right now because fines do produce a revenue source.

“We also want to ensure we are making our library as accessible as possible and reducing those barriers. This is the middle ground,” said Reimer.

There are indications that reducing fines or getting rid of them allows more people to continue using the library. Reimer pointed out there are different levels, as a library could choose to drop late fines but still charge for lost or damaged books. For those who need longer to read a book, MHPL offers a six-week checkout for most books, except if they are one of the seven-day loan books or for those with holds on them.

The library chose the Root Cellar because officials there have indicated their pantry is low and they are running out of food on their shelves. Reimer continued, “Even if you don’t have fines, it would be great if people would come in and donate non-perishable food items.”

While food can be dropped off at the library any day of the week, Thursday is when the dedicated food bin is out on the floor, located beside the self-checkout stations.

Additionally, starting Monday, the library will be doing a Toiletries for Ukraine Drive, although this initiative is not for reducing library fines.

“Ukraine families are coming to Medicine Hat,” said Reimer. “There are four families confirmed already and more coming. We want to help those families get on their feet, so we are going to be taking donations for toiletries.”

Donations will be passed onto Hatters Helping Ukraine, which will distribute the items.