Longview Library Trades Late Fees for Food Donations
Patrons can clear fines under $20 by donating non-perishable food to the library's annual Food For Fines drive.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Longview Public Library is running its Food For Fines drive, letting patrons clear late fees under $20 by donating a qualifying non-perishable food item. Each donation earns $1 off a library account, and all food collected goes to the annual Longview Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Why it matters
The program turns overdue library fines into food for local families ahead of the holiday season, while keeping patrons connected to the library. Donations are accepted only in person and must meet specific quality and size requirements.
The program forgives roughly $1,500 to $2,000 in fines each year, with each qualifying donation worth $1 off a patron's account. Total food pounds collected for the current drive have not yet been reported.
The players
Longview Public Library
The public library system serving Longview, Texas, which runs the Food For Fines program and collects donations at its 222 W. Cotton St. location.
The details
Patrons donate a canned or boxed non-perishable item at least 12 ounces, not expired, at the library at 222 W. Cotton St. Thanksgiving-themed items are encouraged, though most donations are canned goods. The offer does not apply to inter-library loan fees.
Timeline
The Food For Fines drive was started in 2017.
The current drive ends Nov. 23, 2026.
Community Giving
The library's program feeds directly into Longview's established annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, using a fines-for-food incentive to extend that community effort. It channels collections from library patrons into the same local holiday food supply each year.
Patrons with overdue library fines under $20 can clear them by bringing a qualifying non-perishable food item to the library. Families in need in Longview benefit from the food collected through the drive during the holiday season.
The takeaway
Clearing a library fine can double as a holiday donation, so check your account before the drive closes on Nov. 23. Bring a non-expired canned or boxed item of at least 12 ounces to the library at 222 W. Cotton St.
What happens next
The Food For Fines drive ends Nov. 23, 2026, after which the collected food will be donated to the Longview Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Further reading
Explore more philanthropy stories covering charitable giving and community support efforts.
More information
Visit the Longview Public Library information page for details on donations and library services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Longview News-Journal.
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