Mayor’s Christmas Appeal Library Fine Amnesty is back for 2017

Christmas is a time for giving and The Hills Shire Library Service is giving Hills residents the chance to return long overdue items during the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal Library Fine Amnesty.

The Hills Shire Library Service will waive late fees from Monday, November 13 to Sunday, December 10 in exchange for a donation of a non-perishable food item.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal Library Fine Amnesty would see both Council and library users support a worthy cause, while encouraging members to continue to read and learn.

“Christmas is a time when we can be thankful that we live in a place as special as The Hills. We can be thankful that The Sydney Hills offers us a quality of life and a freedom that places us in a privileged position, but reminds us not to lose sight of those less fortunate than us,” Mayor Byrne said.

“Contributions made to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal Library Fine Amnesty will be donated to Anglicare – a charity that provides a range of services that promote safety, participation and wellbeing.

“Some of the donations will be distributed to the Anglicare Mobile Community Pantry Van which provides grocery items at very low cost to help those stretch budget further. The Mobile Community Pantry is run in partnership with the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Baulkham Hills and happens on a fortnightly basis.

“I encourage anyone who has a library item, book or a DVD at home they may have forgotten about to return it to their local library and make a donation to those who need it the most this Christmas,” Mayor Byrne added.

Anglicare CEO Grant Millard said the Library Fine Amnesty is a terrific initiative of Mayor Byrne and The Hills Shire Council, and he was really appreciative of the community’s support.

“Many people who turn to us for assistance are struggling, especially at Christmas. It’s a time of stress and worry for so many households,” Mr Millard said.

“Every donation helps, so I hope people will make the most of this Library Fine Amnesty!”

The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal Library Fine Amnesty applies only to outstanding fees, not the replacement cost of lost items.

A list of acceptable donation items can be found at your local library or on The Hills Shire Library website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library.

The Mayor’s Christmas Library Amnesty

Where: Any of the four Hills Shire Libraries at Castle Hill, Vinegar Hill (Rouse Hill), Dural and Baulkham Hills;

When: Monday, November 13 to Sunday, December 10.