Food for Fines

Food bank pantries around Douglas County are empty. In an effort to help restock the shelves, all Douglas County Libraries including the bookmobile will waive library fines in exchange for non-perishable food items from Monday, September 22 until Monday, October 20. This offer does not include charges related to lost or damaged items.

Food banks are especially in need of canned meats, pasta, rice, and boxed dinners. The libraries will collect the food and then deliver it to the food bank in their area. You may drop off the food at the Bookmobile or any of the following branches of Douglas County Libraries:

• Parker Library (10851 South Crossroads Drive)
• Highlands Ranch Library (9292 Ridgeline Boulevard)
• Philip S. Miller Library (100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock)
• The Neighborhood Library at Lone Tree(8827 Lone Tree Parkway)
• The Neighborhood Library at Roxborough (8357 N. Rampart Range Road)
• Louviers Library (7885 Louviers Boulevard)

Recommended non-perishable foods include:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables.
• Canned juices, milk (if powdered) and soup.
• High energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, canned nuts, dried fruits and trail mix.
• Comfort foods, such as hard candy, sweetened cereals, candy bars and cookies, all-in-one brownie mixes (do not need to add anything, just mix).
• Instant coffee, tea bags.
• Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets, if necessary.
• Compressed food bars. They store well, are lightweight, taste good and are nutritious.
• Dried foods. They can be nutritious and satisfying, but have some have a lot of salt content, which promotes thirst. Read the label.
• Freeze-dried foods. They are tasty and lightweight, but will need water for reconstitution.
• Instant Meals. Cups of noodles or cups of soup are a good addition, although they need water for reconstitution.
• Snack-sized canned goods. Good because they generally have pull-top lids or twist-open keys.
• Prepackaged beverages. Those in foil packets and foil-lined boxes are suitable because they are tightly sealed and will keep for a long time.
• Pasta, noodles, sauces, soups, chili, most canned items.
• Prepared packaged foods such as Tuna Helper (be sure to include the tuna).
• Packets of salt, pepper, sugar, coffee creamer, etc.

For more information, stop by your library, or call 303-791-READ.