A UNIQUE scheme to allow library members to donate food instead of paying a fine for an overdue book has been labelled a success.

A trolley-load of food items was collected for Warrington Food Bank following LiveWire’s ‘Food For Fines’ initiative.

For each item of food donated, library staff reduced the amount of fines owed on overdue books by £1. All LiveWire Libraries took part in ‘Food for Fines’ resulting in the trolley of food items that is to be donated to the food bank.

Wendy Molyneux, LiveWire strategic library manager, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who took part and supported Food for Fines. Our libraries aren’t just about books – they are about making a real difference to the lives of individuals and communities.

"We received an amazing amount of food - both in exchange for fines and also just generously donated - which will greatly help families in need across Warrington.

“LiveWire is all about putting people’s wellbeing at the heart of what we do. We hope this initiative has helped people clear their fines and will encourage them to continue to use the library or come back to us if they have not visited us for some time.”

The initiative took place during Libraries Week, an annual celebration of the nation’s libraries and ran earlier this month – with LiveWire organising a wide range of events and activities to celebrate it from poetry readings to craft workshops.

For more information visit livewirewarrington.co.uk/libraries