The Natchitoches Parish Library’s (NPL) “Fine ForGIVING” program will offer an opportunity for patrons to give back to the community while simultaneously reducing fines on their accounts. The program began in October and will continue through the end of the year. All donations will go back into the local community through various service organizations.

Patrons can donate canned goods, which must be clean, unexpired, and at least 8 ounces, for a $2 reduction in fines per can. Donations will be given to local food banks, which see increased use during the holiday season. New and gently used jackets can be donated for a $15 reduction per jacket. The NPL will also be accepting dog and cat food for a $2 reduction per can and $5 per 5 pounds of dry food. New and Unopened toys will be accepted for a $10 reduction. The above fine reductions may only be applied to overdue or late fines, not lost or damaged items, or other account charges.

For those with lost or damaged item charges (excluding laptops, mobile hotspots, and launchpads) the NPL will also be accepting new or gently used costumes for a $15 reduction. If only a partial costume (mask/cape/etc.) is donated, $5 will be deducted from the account. This can be applied toward overdue fines, late fines, and non-electronic lost or damaged item charges. Costumes will be cleaned and circulated at the NPL next October.

All items may be donated at any Circulation Desk at the Main Branch (Natchitoches) or Northeast Branch (Campti) of the library. If you have any questions about donating to this year’s Fine ForGIVING event, you may call the NPL circulation desk at 318-357-3280 or message the NPL on their Facebook page.

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