St. Johns County Libraries Launch “Enhanced Food for Fines” Program for 2025

Turn overdue books into good deeds — and help light the way for local families this holiday season.

St. Johns County residents, here’s your chance to make a real difference in our community. From November 9 through December 21, 2025, the St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) is hosting its annual “Food for Fines” program — and this year, it’s better than ever.

📚 How It Works

If you’ve got overdue library fines, you can bring in unexpired, non-perishable food items to any SJCPLS branch. Each item you donate takes $2 off your fines, and every bit of food collected goes directly to the St. Johns County Health & Human Services Food Pantry to support local families.

🚲 New for 2025: Donations for Bike Lights

This year, SJCPLS added a new twist that’s truly heart-warming. Even if you don’t have fines, you can make a cash donation to help purchase bike lights for local children and families through the Firefighters for Families initiative. It’s a small way to keep our neighbors safer on the road — especially with shorter winter days ahead.

🤝 Everyone Can Participate

No overdue books? No problem! You don’t need to owe fines to join in. Anyone in the community can stop by, donate food or funds, and help make a difference.

Important note: “Food for Fines” applies only to overdue fines — not lost or damaged items.

🌟 A Local Tradition Since 2009

Since launching back in 2009, this community-driven program has helped thousands of residents clear fines while giving back to neighbors in need. Library Director Debra Rhodes Gibson shared that the 2025 “enhanced” version expands the library’s reach beyond food donations — connecting more directly to community safety and wellbeing.

❤️ Why It Matters

Programs like this remind us what makes St. Johns County so special — a place where giving back is just part of who we are. Whether it’s a few cans from your pantry or a few dollars toward bike lights, every contribution helps light up someone’s holiday season.

Want to help?
Stop by your nearest St. Johns County library branch anytime between Nov. 9 and Dec. 21, 2025 with your donations — and feel good knowing you’re making a local impact.

I’m Neal Brown with iHeart Realty, your neighbor and local Realtor — always shining a light on the good happening right here in Northeast Florida.