Polk County Public Library will partner with Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry in September to recognize Hunger Action Month with “Food for Fines.” During Food for Fines, the Library will waive $1 of overdue fines for each non-perishable food item donated.
Polk County Public Library is committed to providing community-focused service, fostering civic engagement and supporting positive community change. Hunger Action Month is a movement to raise awareness of food insecurity and mobilize people to help end hunger. North Carolina has the fifth highest rate of food insecurity in the United States. In Polk County, 64% of students are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program.
Everyone in the community, whether or not they owe fines, is encouraged to donate food to help neighbors in need. Donations will be accepted at the Columbus and Saluda libraries, as well as on the bookmobile. All collected food will be donated to the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry Food Pantry. Charges for lost or damaged materials will not be waived.
Polk County Public Library has a Main Library in Columbus and a branch in Saluda, as well as a bookmobile that travels throughout Polk County. PCPL offers books, movies, music, audiobooks and downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, as well as public computers and wireless Internet access. PCPL offers regularly scheduled programs for people of all ages. To learn more, visit www.polklibrary.org.

– article submitted
by Jen Pace