Libraries in Maine and Colorado Donate Fines for Tsunami Relief

twistedlibrarian writes “”In Maine, libraries donated all fines, printing fees, and loose cash donations collected during Maine Libraries Week, January 9–15, to give to the UNICEF Tsunami Relief Fund. The idea is credited to Camden Public Library Director Elizabeth Moran, who sent out a press release asking all Maine libraries to participate. York Public Library waited until January 20 to make sure the effort was publicized, Assistant Library Director Sudie Blanchard said in the January 28 Portsmouth (N.H.) Herald.

In Colorado, more than a dozen public libraries are participating in a similar drive January 24–30 to deliver fine collections and other donations to the American Red Cross. Ralph Rulo, a facilities maintenance technician for the Douglas County Libraries in Castle Rock, thought up the plan, and Director Jamie LaRue liked the suggestion so much that he appealed to libraries across the state to join in the effort. A week’s worth of fine collections in Douglas County alone brings in about $2,600.”

American Libraries Online