The Lady Lake Library’s annual School Supplies for Fines initiative helped support local students while giving library patrons an opportunity to clear overdue fines through community giving.
This year, the library collected 20 backpacks, 15 binders, five prepackaged school supply kits, 50 folders, 50 notebooks, packs of glue, crayons and markers, paper, disinfecting wipes, and many other classroom essentials for students at The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake. In total, the library forgave nearly $750 in overdue fines as part of the program.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community,” said Library Director Aly Herman. “Every donation helps ensure local students have the supplies they need to start the school year prepared, while also helping library patrons return to using our services.”
The annual initiative encourages community support for local schools while reducing barriers to library access by allowing patrons to donate new school supplies in place of paying eligible overdue fines.
Pictured left to right: Kourtney Fehr, Youth Library Assistant, Mary Shaner, Bookkeeper for The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, and Aly Herman, Library Director.
