It’s that time of year! Once again, from December 1 to January 14, the Library will channel the spirits of Christmas and new beginnings.

How, you ask? Well, if you have returned all your items but (gulp) have late fees to pay, during the next six weeks you can donate non-perishable foodstuffs and personal grooming products (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) in place of those fees. Just bring them in to the Library, where we’re collecting them for the Modbury branch of the Salvation Army.

Here’s how it works:

One donated item pays off up to $5 worth of late fees. Two items = up to $10. And so on, up to $100.

Please, please don’t drop these items straight in the donation box!  Bring them to the checkout desk first – we can’t waive your fees if we don’t know about your donation!

Please make sure anything you donate is sealed in its original packaging, and (for food, especially) within its use-by date.

And of course if you want to make donations, you don’t have to have fees to pay off – just drop your donated items straight in the box by the Christmas tree.

Happy holidays and a fee-free start to 2011!