Whitman County Library is offering amnesty, but it has nothing to do with immigration. Library patrons can trade nonperishable food items for a late fee forgiveness this month during the 10th annual 'Food for Fines’ drive at Whitman County libraries.

Throughout the entire month of February, readers can donate at all 14 branches. In return, librarians will remove up to $10 in outstanding fines from each customer’s account. The only disclaimer: people who have been sent to collections cannot participate.

“We really encourage people to donate because it helps them, and it helps us,” said Peggy Bryan, associate director at the Colfax library branch.

All food collected will be distributed at a community food bank near each branch. Cold temperatures leave Washington residents paying higher heating bills with less money to go toward food, resulting in food banks reporting a greater need for donations in February. ‘Food for Fines’ is also tied to Library Lovers’ Month.

“It’s just really a good way to serve the community and serve our customers,” said Clancy Pool, Whitman County Library branch services manager.

The Whitman County Library started the drive 10 years ago after hearing about other libraries doing the same thing. Now there are customers who wait for the drive every year, Bryan said. “We’re all working towards helping people,” she said. “It’s a win-win situation for us.” Last year, the libraries collected more than $1,030 worth of non-perishable food items. “The special part of last year’s success was that we received over one-third more food than was needed to clear fines,” Kristie Kirkpatrick, Whitman County Library director, said in a news release. This year, the libraries have a collective goal to get every community to participate in the drive. The Whitman County Library serves a wide range of communities, but not all of them participate. The other goal is to have customers donate more food than they have fines for, Pool said.

“In the past, we’ve always had really good participation in some branches but not others,” she said. “So that’s our main goal this year – to just have participation in every community.” Donations may be sent to any of the 14 participating Whitman County Library branches. For further details, call the Colfax library branch at 509-397-4366 or toll-free at 1-877-733-3375.