Food for Fines Fall 2026
Syracuse University Libraries is offering an end of semester opportunity for students to help others while reducing their library fines. “Food for Fines” will run from November 16 through December 22, 2026. All Libraries patrons with overdue circulation fines can reduce their fines by donating healthy, nonperishable food and hygiene items that will be donated to the Hendricks Chapel Coach Mac Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted at the circulation desks of Bird, Carnegie, Law, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, King + King Architecture and the College of Law Libraries. Fine reductions exclude interlibrary loan and lost book fees. Even those without library fees are encouraged to donate!
Fines will be reduced by $2 per item for canned vegetables and beans, soap, pasta and single serving items; $3 per item for canned fish/soup/fruit, cereal, oatmeal, rice and shampoo/conditioner; $4 per item for toothpaste, granola bars, peanut butter or jelly, tea and hot chocolate; and $6 per item for deoderant, lotion, k-cups and canned meat. Contributions should not be open or expired and single-use items are preferred.
Bird Library is a donation point for contributions for the Hendricks Chapel Coach Mac Food Pantry year-round to support its mission to serve individuals who experience hunger, food insecurity and a lack of resources. The Libraries will accept any sealed, non-expired and non-perishable food or personal care items at the 1st Floor Check Out Desk at Bird Library during regular Check Out Desk hours. See the Research Guide for more information on Food for Fines.
For questions, email circulation@syr.edu.