Students have an opportunity to relieve unwanted library fines whether they are $1 or $1,000 by donating non-perishable food items to the University Libraries from Nov. 17 through Dec. 7.

As of Monday, Nov. 17, the library has one lonely can sitting on the table. “The donations normally start with a trickle and a waterfall at the end,” Library Specialist Richelle Davis said.

Students are allowed to bring nonperishable, non-expired and undamaged food items to any of the three libraries at the university including Bierce, the Science Library and the Law Library.

“Every year a big truck comes and loads about 5,000 to 8,000 pounds of food,” Davis said.

Each item donated takes a dollar off of existing library fines. These fines do not compensate for lost items that have yet to be replaced.

“We encourage everyone to do it because it is a tremendous way to get library fines down and to help the community and is all around beneficial,” Davis said.

All food donations will benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

Students are encouraged to donate even if they do not currently have library fines.

This promotion is also one of the many ways to contribute during the National Hunger and Homelessness Week, which starts Nov. 16 and continues until Nov. 22.