Residents with long forgotten library books and DVDs can return their items for free if they donate to local foodbanks.

Monmouthshire’s community hubs and libraries are offering a 19-day amnesty to anyone with library items past their return date, if they make a food bank donation.

The Food for Fines amnesty starts on Monday, running to Saturday April 29, with donations going to Abergavenny and Monmouth food banks, to then help those in need.

Any donations are welcome, especially UHT milk, sugar, tinned food, and dried foodstuffs like pasta and noodles, instant mash and coffee, toilet rolls and washing powder. Even Easter Eggs will be particularly welcome.

Customers making food donations will be directed to the community hub front desk where a member of staff will delete the fine from the customer’s account on receipt of a donation. 

 

Monmouthshire’s chief executive, Paul Matthews, said, “In an ideal world, food banks would not be necessary and they would not exist. Unfortunately we do not live in an ideal world and they really help individuals and families when they need it most.

“We hope our Food for Fines initiative will boost this important offer and it is really easy for residents to participate. Clearly, we get our books back and we help to direct extra stock towards the food banks.

“Late book returners will be welcomed and will be contributing to the wider social good. Of course this is optional – if you would prefer to pay your fine we will not object, but we would still like our books back please.”

 

Monmouthshire’s community hub staff will review the initiative in May.