BALTIMORE — The Enoch Pratt Free Library is partnering with the Maryland Food Bank in the month of January for Food for Fines. From January 3 to January 31, 2017, donate a canned food item at any Pratt location and receive a $1 off any library fine.
There is no limit on the amount of cans that can be donated. For example, 5 cans = $5 off of your library card fines. Canned goods must be unopened and unexpired to qualify. To participate, just drop the cans off at the Circulation Desk of your local Pratt Library branch.
In January 2016, the library waived over $13,000.00 in fines. That’s more than 13,000 cans of food collected for the Maryland Food Bank, which is the equivalent of approximately 8,838 meals.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library, the nation’s first free library system, opened its doors in 1886, the result of the generosity and imagination of businessman and philanthropist Enoch Pratt who Pratt envisioned a public library where “races, ages, and socio-economic classes mingled and people could educate themselves— without cost.” His passionate belief continues to guide the organization.
The Maryland Food Bank is a nonprofit hunger-relief organization, leading the movement to end hunger throughout Maryland. For more than 35 years, the Maryland Food Bank has partnered with communities across the state to distribute food to individuals and families in need.
For more information about the Pratt’s Food for Fines campaign, visit: www.prattlibrary.org.