The Community Library Network and the Coeur d'Alene Public Library are out to restock food bank pantries throughout the area. And they are asking for help.

Beginning Oct. 1 patrons can use donations of nonperishable food to pay for overdue fines on their library cards. Food for Fines cannot be used in lieu of payment for damaged or lost items, however.

Libraries participating in the October food drive include Coeur d'Alene Public Library and Athol, Harrison, Hayden, Pinehurst, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake and the Bookmobile in the Community Library Network. Food for Fines rules vary. Check with participating libraries.

"It's not about the fines," says Anne Abrams, Community Library Network administrator, "it's about getting as much food as possible to the food banks. Those food banks are located in our libraries' service areas."

Coeur d'Alene Library Director Bette Ammon welcomed the partnership with the Library Network and added, "A big part of our motivation is to also bring people back into the libraries even if they have accumulated overdue fines to the point it has restricted their library use."

Food donations will also be accepted from individuals with no fines. Items collected will be distributed to food banks and animal shelters serving the communities where the food are turned in.