Turning a new leaf: South Perth and Perth library users can wipe their fine slate clean while helping others

Thousands of South Perth library users will have the chance to clear their overdue fines while helping West Australians experiencing food insecurity.

From August 1 to 30, borrowers can have overdue library fines waived by returning their items and donating a non-perishable food to the city’s Foodbank food drive.

Over 2000 borrowers across South Perth and Manning libraries have outstanding fines on their accounts, and this gives many the opportunity to wipe the slate clean while also supporting people doing it tough.

Whether an item is a few days overdue or has been sitting on a bookshelf for years, fines will be waived during the month-long campaign with no judgment, no hard feelings and no questions asked.

Items must be returned at the library front desk, where borrowers will need to present their library card to have their fines removed.

Donations of non-perishable items include canned meals, canned fruit and vegetables, long-life milk, cereal, oats, pasta sauce, spreads, rice, pasta and meal bases. Donations can be made at the South Perth and Manning libraries before they will be distributed through Foodbank WA.

South Perth mayor Greg Milner said the initiative offered a practical way for residents to support those facing hardship while encouraging people to reconnect with their local libraries.

“With a growing number of Western Australian households experiencing food insecurity, this drive is an innovative way the city can provide practical support for people suffering hardship,” he said.

“This is the second year the City of South Perth has run a library amnesty and we’re proud to support the incredibly vital work Foodbank is doing to help those in need.

“Over 2000 borrowers have outstanding fines on their accounts, so we look forward to our library fine amnesty making a meaningful impact for Foodbank.”

Foodbank WA chief executive Kate O’Hara said local government initiatives played an important role in supporting the organisation’s work.

“At Foodbank WA, we’re always inspired by the creativity and generosity shown by local governments across Western Australia,” she said.

“Initiatives like the City of South Perth’s library fine amnesty demonstrate how small actions can make a meaningful difference.

“Every donation helps us continue our vision of healthy food for all, while also starting important conversations about food insecurity and the growing number of Western Australians seeking support.”

Ms O’Hara said that over 353,000 Western Australian households experience hunger due to lack of funds over the past year, with the charity providing more than 9.3 million meals through charity partners, referrals and school programs.

“What makes these programs so effective is that they turn everyday interactions into opportunities to give back,” she said.

“A can of food, a small donation or waiving a library fine in exchange for a food contribution may seem like a small gesture, but collectively they make a significant difference for Western Australians doing it tough.”

“What stands out about the City of South Perth initiative is that it takes an existing process that residents are already familiar with and turns it into a positive community outcome.

“Rather than simply paying a fine, residents have an opportunity to help someone doing it tough. It’s simple, practical and creates a direct impact. A great idea delivered well!”

Mr Milner said whether your fine was a dollar or hundreds of dollars, returned items would be fine-free during this period, provided they came with a donation.

The City of Perth will also be doing a Library Amnesty from 27 July to 2 August for non-food donations, for fines under $50.

“The amnesty returns following the success of last year’s campaign, which saw numerous long-overdue library items returned to the shelves, 15 library memberships reinstated, and generous donations collected for the Perth Homeless Support Group,” the City of Perth site says.