AllHills Shire Council
Hills Mayor’s 2024 Christmas Appeal: Food Instead of Fines
Hills Shire Library members with overdue books can now have their fines waived as part of the Mayor’s 2024 Christmas Appeal and Library Fine Amnesty.
From Saturday, November 16, until Sunday, December 15, library members can return overdue books and have their fines waived in exchange for a non-perishable food donation. All donations will go to Anglicare’s Mobile Community Pantry.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the donations provide affordable food options to individuals and families who need it most.
“This initiative supports a great cause and gives back to members of our community who are doing it tough,” Mayor Byrne said.
“It also offers Hills Shire Library members a chance to return long-overdue books. Recovering these books also allows other members of the community to enjoy the magic of reading.
“Last year, 2196 items were donated, and 167 lost books were returned to the libraries.
“Even if you don’t have an overdue library book to return, please donate to this worthy cause to help families who need it most and make their festive season a little brighter.”
Overdue books can be returned through the returns chute at any library branch during opening hours. Bring along an item from the list below to donate and present your library card or app to staff at the Customer Service desk at any of the Hills Shire Library branches in Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Dural and Rouse Hill.
Acceptable non-perishable food item donations include:
- Christmas cake or pudding (500g or 700g)
- Tinned ham or chunky soup (450g)
- Tinned salmon or tuna (415g)
- Tea (100pk)
- Coffee (100g)
- Packet of biscuits (no chocolate biscuits)
- Dried pasta (500g)
- Pasta sauce
- Long-life milk
- Long-life custard
- Tinned fruit and vegetables (425g)
- Jam (500g)
Chocolate or chocolate-covered items will unfortunately not be accepted, as they are likely to melt.
Last year, The Hills Shire Council’s Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and Library Fine Amnesty received a total of 2196 donations, along with 167 overdue library items returned.
According to the Council, it was one of the most successful so far, with a book by Dr Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! being the oldest one borrowed since October 2022.
For more information about the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and Library Fine Amnesty, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/
