ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, today announced that ACT public libraries will again accept food in lieu of library fines as part of a Food for Fines winter appeal, from 1 June to 30 June 2012.

"Following the success of previous Food for Fines amnesties, we decided to run a winter appeal for the month of June," the Chief Minister said.

"Library members are able to donate tins or packets of non-perishable food in exchange for fines being removed from their membership record.

"Not only does Food for Fines provide the opportunity for Canberrans to support their local community and donate items to those in need, there is also the opportunity to return overdue library items and 'pay' any library fines they have accumulated."

The Food for Fines concept is quite simple - one tin or packet of non-perishable food equals $2 worth of fines and all food will be donated to OzHarvest Canberra who provide food to more than 60 charities across Canberra and Queanbeyan.

"Last year the Food for Fines initiative was strongly embraced by the Canberra community with over 8,000 food items donated - which equates to over a tonne of food. These donations in lieu of fines are a great way for Canberrans to contribute in a positive way to their community," the Chief Minister said.

"We also saw 16,334 items returned to our libraries, which puts these important community resources back into circulation so more people can use them.

"Libraries ACT is currently reviewing its Loans Policy and the way in which fines are applied. We are looking at ways to make the process simpler and to ensure those people that make the genuine mistake of not returning items on time are not penalised and are instead given the opportunity to either renew or return their items," the Chief Minister concluded.

Food for Fines is only applicable during the stated period of time which is from 1 June to 30 June 2012. Only non-perishable, sealed food items will be accepted.

For more information on Food for Fines visit www.library.act.gov.au or phone 6205 9000.