JMC Public Library starts “Supplies for Fines” initiative

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson-Madison County Public Library is hosting a school supplies drive to lower fines for overdue books.

“People that have fines on their accounts can donate unopened school supplies and can get anywhere from $1 to $3 off their fines,” said adult services librarian Jenci Spradlin.

School starts soon, and that means there is a need for school supplies.

“With school supplies being on sale at all of the retailers, we feel like people can pay their fines off for less than they could for cash,” Spradlin said.

The Jackson Madison County Public Library started their “Supplies for Fines” drive on Thursday.

They’ve done similar initiatives, but it’s their first school supply drive.

“We’re taking 8-count crayons. That’ll be $1 off,” Spradlin said. “The 2-pack of pink erasers, a pack of wide-ruled paper, and a box of No. 2 pencils. Those will all get you $1 off of your fine. For special things like 2-inch ring binders, that’s $3 off. Clorox wipes are $3 off, and tissues are $2 off.”

If you’re interested in donating supplies, you can either bring them to the Main Branch downtown or to the North Branch.

“A lot of times during the middle of the year, students run out of these supplies,” Spradlin said. “So, if teachers can have a backup for when things run out, that’s certainly going to benefit school children.”

The library’s goal is to help people pay off their fines and also help students in need.

“So, we feel that that really helps benefit not only the individual, but also the school system,” Spradlin said.

Spradlin says anyone can donate school supplies, even if they don’t have fines.