Unalaskans have one more week to take advantage of a current fine amnesty program at the public library.
"It's a chance for patrons to bring in food to donate and get their fines forgiven," Librarian Karen Kresh said.
The amnesty program is aimed at all library patrons who were late in returning items over the past year.
"We're hoping to get people who have these large outstanding, overdue fines and maybe reluctant to use their library cards and borrow books and movies because they have these big fines on their accounts," Kresh said. "So we want people to have a chance to get those fines reduced and donate to a good cause."
The donated food goes to the non-profit Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence. Kresh points out that USAFV's food pantry is open to the entire community.
A USAFV staffer said this week that anyone on the island struggling to make ends meet is welcome to call (907) 581-1500 to request a food basket comprised of donated pantry items.
In order to get a clean slate, all overdue materials need to be returned to the library. Every item of non-perishable food is worth $5 towards erasing fines.
Is there limit to the number of items a patron can donate?
"No limit. Nope. So even if you have overdue fines of $50 or more, you can bring in food and get all of those forgiven," Kresh said.
The Unalaska Public Library's fine amnesty program runs through Friday, January 15.
