Welland libraries bring back “Food for Fines” program all of October

Anyone with overdue books or movies at the Welland Public Library may want to hold onto them for a few more days.

The library is bringing back its popular “Food For Fines” program.

For the entire month of October, the library will waive any outstanding late fees with the donation of canned goods or non-perishable food items to any of their branches.

Said the library, “Food donations support Welland food banks. Together we can help fight hunger in our community!”

For many, it will be a first opportunity to visit the library’s main branch in downtown Welland since it was renovated in February 2020 – just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down libraries everywhere.

Back in 2019, city council hired an architecture firm to spruce up the building, first built in 2005 “to better serve visitors and improve staff safety.”

The scope of work included the reorientation of the service desk and new millwork, new durable carpet tile throughout the entire library that replaced the aging carpet, new vinyl plank flooring in high-traffic areas, a new location for the 3D printing station and a refresh of the staff offices and workspaces.