Each year, on the third Monday of January, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed in America. Congress designated it as a federal holiday and national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." Also known as MLK Day of Service, this holiday's purpose is to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."
Public libraries embody this dream every day as a place that equalizes and empowers everyone. In celebration of MLK Day of Service, we are hosting our annual canned food drive. You'll be able to drop off non-perishable food items at any of our locations from January 4-21, but you might want to wait until January 12.
"When you are growing up, there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully-the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is a great equalizer." Musician Keith RichardsFrom January 12-19, you'll be able to pay down your library fines. One canned or non-perishable food donation will equal $1 worth of fines. Please remember that you are donating food to other people. Don't donate something that's expired or that you wouldn't eat. The food donated will be sorted and distributed to local shelters.
Food for Fines overview:
- Effective January 12-19, 2013
- 1 canned or non-perishable food item = $1 worth of fines
- $5 limit per account
- All public library locations are participating
Here are the top food items requested by the West Texas Food Bank:
- Canned Meat (ham, tuna, meat spread)
- Peanut Butter
- Chunky Soups & Beef Stew
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Pastas
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Dry Cereal & Oatmeal
- Rice, and Dry & Canned Beans
- Canned Vegetables & Fruits
- 100% Fruit Juice (Cans or plastic bottles)
- “Sugar Free,” “Low Sodium,” & “No Salt” Items
 |
| Check out some books about Martin Luther King, Jr. |
