Lives Change @ Your Library, Help us Change Lives!
April 3, 2014 (Helena, MT)—During National Library Week, April 12-19th, and through¬out April, libraries across the nation host special events to highlight the unique role libraries play in changing people’s lives. Today’s libraries can help you and your family discover a new and exciting world. Visit your Lewis & Clark Library for computer resources for teens and adults; help with your job search; access to subscription databases; library-recommended websites and homework help. Libraries are an oasis if you are looking for adult education classes, or for a recommendation on the best books or e-books to expand your horizons.
Libraries are also community centers as well as centers of the community. Your Lewis & Clark Library values the support of each individual patron as well as our many community partners. During National Library Week, your Lewis & Clark Library is pleased to again offer Food for Fines April 12th -19th in support of Helena Food Share. “Food Share provides a critical service for our community and without the help of everyone who can, they wouldn’t be able to meet the daily demands of those individuals in need of Food Share’s assistance,” explained Library Director Judy Hart. “Each April, as we celebrate the importance of libraries in our society, we are also appreciative of the generous support of our community and this is our way of giving back to our community.”
Ann Waickman, Executive Director of Helena Food Share explains, “every day is a critical day for a family in need.” Helena Food Share serves an average of 1,300-1,500 households in our community every month. It takes an average of over 1,200 volunteer hours to make Helena Food Share’s programs successful. In 2013, Helena Food Share distributed about 100,000 pounds of food per month on average. Over 97% of all support for Helena Food Share comes from the Helena community.
Waickman’s job is defined by numbers, to understand the scope of Helena Food Share’s work she breaks down February 2014 into the numbers: “1,210 different households were served by Helena Food Share’s programs, with 757 of those households visiting our pantry only once; 2,421 lives were impacted by Helena Food Share’s services through the month; 43 new households were served through our pantry; 77,749 pounds of food was distributed to our clients; the community donated 14,943 pounds of food in January, with another 40,236 pounds being donated by local grocery stores; and 166 volunteers gave 1,175.55 hours of service to make our programs possible.” And that’s just one month!
So how can you help? Simply bring in non-perishable food items along with all of your over-due library items to the Library and the Circulation staff will waive your fines.
Some restrictions do apply, however. Patrons must have all over-due items turned in and must present their food share donations in order to have their account cleared. Also, patrons with accounts in collections, or who owe for damaged or lost items, will not be able to benefit from Food for Fines.
The Lewis & Clark Library will donate all collected food items to the Helena Food Share. “This is a fantastic opportunity to clear up your Library account while helping out your community at the same time,” commented Hart.
The main branch of the Library at 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, as well as the branch libraries in Augusta, Lincoln, East Helena, and the Bookmobile will accept food share donations in lieu of fines from April 12th-19th. For more information, please contact the Circulation staff at 447-1690 ext 6 or log onto www.lclibrary.org. Open the door to change, visit your Lewis & Clark Library today and help your community!
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