FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2009

Got fines? Give food!
Celebrate National Library Week by donating food
Monmouth County Library’s food drive supports local pantries

MANALAPAN – Monmouth County Library patrons can help fill food pantry shelves and clear their library records by participating in the library’s “Got Fines? Give Food!” program from April 13 through April 25 to celebrate National Library Week. 

Each nonperishable food item brought to the library is worth up to $5 of fine forgiveness from a patron’s library record. Food will be donated to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and other local food banks. Patrons without fines are encouraged to participate in the food drive as well. 

“Many residents of Monmouth County need a little extra help, especially now during this recession, and the Monmouth County Library has found a great way for people to contribute,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Monmouth County Library System. “I encourage all of our library patrons to participate in this program and celebrate National Library Week by giving food.”

“Libraries offer immeasurable free resources and are especially important for people who are affected by a troubled economy,” Library Director Ken Sheinbaum said. “The ‘Got Fines? Give Food!’ program is an opportunity to help patrons with fines and to help families put food on the table.” 

Donations will be accepted during regular library hours at circulation desks at Monmouth County Library branch locations including the headquarters in Manalapan, Eastern Branch Library in Shrewsbury and libraries in Allentown, Colts Neck, Hazlet, Holmdel, Howell, Marlboro, Ocean Township, Oceanport and Wall Township. 

Suitable donations are canned products such as meats, tuna, soup, fruit, vegetables, pasta sauce, juices, and pork and beans. Other nonperishable items are instant potatoes, dry soup, peanut butter, jelly, hot and cold cereal, coffee, tea, crackers, powdered milk, rice, pastas and pancake or waffle mix. The library cannot accept food past the expiration date, perishable items, or food in glass containers.

Please note that food donations do not cover lost or damaged library materials. For more information, visit the library’s Web site at www.monmouthcountylib.org or contact a branch location. 

The Monmouth County Library has served its community since 1923 and has 11 branch locations. Additionally, it provides services to 19 member libraries.

Among the Library’s many free services to the community are Internet access, online electronic resources, reference services, jazz and music concerts, theatrical performances, children’s programs, art exhibits, a career center, computer classes, informational programs, and much more.

The Library maintains a collection of more than 1.5 million items for patrons to borrow, including books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, MP3s, and has circulated more than 3.5 million items last year. At the Monmouth County Library, books are just the beginning! 

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