The Mary Riley Styles Public Library will hold its annual Food for Fines program from Saturday, Oct. 22 – Sunday, Oct. 30. This initiative provides patrons the opportunity to help those in need by donating non-perishable groceries as payment for fines on overdue items.

Food for Fines operates as a one-for-one exchange: a single non-perishable grocery item (can of fruit, soup, cake mix, etc.) will cover the fine for a single overdue item, including books, videos, DVDs, audio cassettes or CDs. There is no limit on the number or amount of fines that can be cleared or the quantity of overdue materials that can be returned. Bills for lost or damaged library materials cannot be paid by this program.

For safety reasons, glass jars, opened containers, bulging or damaged cans, items past their expiration date, sample or trial sized-items, or any items needing refrigeration or freezing cannot be accepted.

All donations go to aid local community organizations that work with the City’s Housing and Human Services Division to provide assistance to area families. For more information, visit fallschurchva.gov/Library.