NEWS RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA

March 24, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH LIBRARY OFFERS 'FOOD FOR FINES' PROGRAM DURING NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
Branches to collect non-perishable food items April 3-9, 2022

JEFFERSON, LA – The Jefferson Parish Library system will host a “Food for Fines” drive during National Library Week, which will take place between April 3-9, 2022.

“Food for Fines” is an initiative to help library cardholders pay off fines while also helping the community. Patrons who return items to the library will not be held responsible for paying late fees if they bring a canned or non-perishable food item, which will be donated to a local food bank.

Up to $1 of late fees will be waived for each item donated. Eligible donations include undamaged cans or packages of non-perishable food. Items that are expired or within six months of the expiration date will not be accepted. Food cannot be used to reduce fines for lost or damaged items. Donations can be brought to any Jefferson Parish Library location during regular operating hours. Please note: the Westwego Branch is currently closed due to renovations and the Grand Isle Branch is operating out of the Multiplex. 

“Our libraries have a wealth of information and services available to the citizens of Jefferson Parish,” said Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “This drive is a way to encourage people to return to the library while also helping those in need within our community.”

Additionally, patrons who need duplicate library cards due to loss or theft will be able to obtain them at no cost during this time with a donation.

The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Connect with Your Library,” and spotlights libraries as places to get connected to broadband, computers and other technological resources. For additional information about National Library Week programming, visit www.jplibrary.net.

The Jefferson Parish Library system consists of 16 locations that stretch from the Lakeshore Branch on the edge of Lake Pontchartrain to the Grand Isle Branch, just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico. There are two large regional libraries and seven branches on each side of the Mississippi River. For more information, contact the library at (504) 838-1100 or www.jplibrary.net.

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.

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Jefferson Parish Public Information Office 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002 Jefferson, LA 70123

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Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO