Head librarian Loraine Trudeau accepts payment of an overdue fine for Community Christmas

The Jake Epp Library in Steinbach is offering amnesty to patrons who owe fines for overdue books.

Head librarian Loraine Trudeau explains they will still collect the fines, but the money will be given to Community Christmas, which distributes Christmas hampers to those in need. She says, "Last week and this week, all the fines collected will go towards the Christmas hampers. We have such great patrons that say, you know, I don't even have a fine, here's a donation, or, those that have a 20 cent or 30 cent fine, they'll say keep the change and give a dollar or two. We had one patron last week who actually gave $80.00."

Trudeau adds they also have donation bin at the library where patrons can donate non-perishable food and unwrapped toys for Community Christmas.

Trudeau says it's a joyous thing for library staff, adding, "We're always excited every day to find out how much did we collect today."