Riverhead Free Library Collecting Donations For Sandy Victims

Library patrons can now get rid of pesky overdue book fines and help those in need after all in one fell swoop.

This week, the Riverhead Free Library announced that they have partnered with the Salvation Army to provide much-needed items to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

The effort will take place in conjunction with the annual Food for Fines month, during which patrons are able to whittle down their library book fines by donating food for the hungy.

In addition to the usual items collected during Food for Fines month, the Library will accept donations of blankets, warm clothing, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, as well as nonperishable food items.

The Salvation Army office, located on Osborn Avenue across from the Library, will distribute items collected to those who have been impacted by the storm.  

The Library’s Food for Fines program is an annual event running during the month of November.

Already, hundreds of items of food have already been donated, Library staff reported Tuesday. The event typically brings in thousands of canned and boxed foods, which are distributed to local food pantries and other organizations.  

The Library waives overdue fines for patrons who contribute, $1 per item (maximum of $20).