Laval libraries will forgive your late fees in exchange for donations of non-perishable food

Jams, muffin mix, juices, diapers, pablum – these are some of the more prominent items sought as the amnesty campaign focuses on the needs of children and youngsters. It is estimated that 16% of Laval residents, half of them children, live below the poverty line.

"We still need 800 volunteers to staff the many points of food collection. All Laval residents can easily contribute to the Christmas Baskets Campaign by bringing food to the libraries and if they want to help some more, they can add their names to our volunteer list," says Kathleen Gagnon, director of the Laval Volunteer Centre.

The arrangement with the libraries was made in August, upon the invitation of library administrators. The project appears to be the first such initiative in Quebec.

This is the second general amnesty issued by Laval libraries in two years, the last one coming in June of 2006, at which time 74 subscribers returned 246 books valued at $13,033.

"We moved the amnesty to the holiday period to benefit from the people's generosity," says Jocelyne Guertin, Chair of the Ville de Laval Cultural Council. This way, she explains, two goals can be achieved: the recovery of missing books and the collection of food for the needy.

The services of Laval's public libraries are free. "It's a place where all families can benefit from services, regardless of their economic situation," states Marc Deblois, assistant director of library administration.

For more information www.ville.laval.qc.ca, 3-1-1 or (450) 978-8000.

Photo:Kath

(Photo: Martin Alarie)

Photo:Fine

(Photo: Martin Alarie)