AWESOME >>>

Wouldn't it be great if you could just negotiate-down your overdue library fines? If you could stroll into the Tacoma Public Library, offer them food and have your borrower status upgraded from "terribly horrible" to "do-gooder awesome"?

Well, you can.

Beginning on Feb. 19 Tacoma's libraries will hold a community food drive at all eight branches. For every three non-perishables items you donate, the library will reduce your overdue fines by $10, without a limit to the total amount waived. Titled "Food For Fines," all food items donated will be delivered to a neighborhood food bank, and you'll be inspired to bring back To Kill a Mockingbird.

According to a release, "Each library branch is working with a nearby food bank to ensure donations stay in the neighborhood. There is no limit to the number of food items the library will accept, nor to the size of the overdue fines the library will forgive."

The Food For Fines drive will runs through March 2. More information is available at www.tacomapubliclibrary.org, or by telephoning the library at 253.292.2001.