When I was a kid, I felt terribly embarrassed if I had a library fine - as if I’d stolen something or intentionally refused to take the book back to the library or bookmobile. Librarians had a reputation for being pretty severe (they’re nicer now - or I just don’t feel as guilty as I used to). Usually, a book was just lost in the clutter under my bed, and my fines were probably only a dollar or two.

    If you’re one of those guilt-ridden scofflaws who fails to return stuff to the St. Louis Public Library, there’s a way to get off a bit easier this July.

     The library is repeating its “food for fines” program. For every can of food you donate to the library, which will turn the cans over to St. Louis Area Foodbank, you can cut your overdue fine by one buck. You can bring in up to 25 cans (although they’re not taking canned food for  lost or damaged materials).

    The library’s press release calls this “a great opportunity for patrons to give back to the community and get their Library record back in good standing. Patrons can then take full advantage of the great materials and programs the Library offers such as downloadable movies, computer classes, and Pageturners!”

The program goes through the whole month of July. (The Jefferson County Library accepts food for fines on the last Friday of the month, so look under your bed today, June 26.)

In St. Louis city, any library branch is accepting canned food, peanut butter, powdered milk, baby formula and mac and cheese. Just don’t bring in glass items. For more information, call the library’s Customer Service Department at 314-539-0342. If any other area libraries are participating in food for fines, please post your information or email me at jhenderson@post-dispatch.com