The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library will be accepting donations of nonperishable food as payment for library fines during National Library Week, April 12 through 18. One can or package of food will be equivalent to $1 in fines. Maximum payment of $5 in food will be accepted per library card. The food will be donated to Linn Benton Food Share.

Food for Fines has been a popular event over the years. In December 2007, the last time the library offered this payment option, more than $1,500 in fines and 6½ barrels of food were collected.

Circulation Supervisor Lori Johnston explained, "Our patrons like to help the community at the same time as taking care of their library accounts. It's a win-win situation for the Library and Linn Benton Food Share!"

She noted that library employees also donate food during these events, adding three additional barrels full of food in 2007.

Community libraries in Alsea, Philomath and Monroe will also be participating in "Food for Fines" during the same time - April 12 through April 18.

For more information about this event, call Circulation Supervisor Lori Johnston at 754-1746.