Foodbank donation initiative rolled out across Renfrewshire libraries
People in Renfrewshire with overdue books could have their fines waved if they donate to their local foodbank.
The 'No fines for food initiative' was introduced across the county last year, and has been extremely well received.
Anyone with overdue books can return them to any of the 12 libraries and mobile libraries taking part in exchange for a dontation.
Officials at Linwood Library have handed over 40 boxes filled with non-perishable foods to be taken over to Renfrewshire Foodbank.
From there, it's made up into a 3-day supply package for those who need it.
Joyce Higgins, digital and library development manager at Renfrewshire libaries, said: "It was an idea initially to support World Book Day and to encourage people back into libraries. We appreciate that people sometimes have overdue books with fines attached to them and that can put them off returning. That's not important to us, we want the people and the books back and so we thought that this initiative to say 'come back, bring your books back, we will wave your fines, but please put something in the donation box for Renfrewshire Foodbank'.
Elizabeth Alexander is project manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, she said: "I think it will encourage people back to the library if they know they don't have to pay their fines. I think it also raises the profile of the local foodbank- not just for people donating, but for people that are using it. It reminds them that we're there".