Manchester District Library Celebrates National Library Week by Collecting Food for Fines

by Anne Buckalew

This week, the Manchester District Library joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

Manchester District Library is celebrating National Library Week by collecting Food for Fines. Patrons may bring shelf stable food items, paper products, cleaning supplies, and toiletries for donation to the Community Resource Center’s pantry in exchange for fine forgiveness during National Library Week. Each item will reduce a patron’s fine for overdue library materials by $0.50. Fines for damaged and lost items cannot be forgiven. Patrons can clear their accounts with the library while donating to local cause. Of course, all items should be unexpired, and sealed in original packaging.

“Service to the community has always been the focus of the library,” said James Miller, Library Director. “While this aspect has never changed, libraries have grown and evolved in how they provide for their community. We currently have plans in place to add computer tablets to our childrens’ area, start a seed library, and even begin an herb garden.”

The Manchester District Library serves residents of townships of Bridgewater, Freedom, and Manchester by providing access to more than 40 participating libraries, WiFi, computers, printing, and programming for all ages that includes a book group, craft sessions, Summer Reading Programs, and story time. 

For more information, visit Manchester District Library at 912 City Road, call 428-8045 or see the library’s Web site at www.manchesterlibrary.info.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.