The Totally Awesome Way Some Libraries Are Tackling Hunger

Here's a solution to hunger that's long overdue. More and more libraries are allowing patrons to pay their fines by donating food.

The South Burlington library in Vermont is knocking $2 off late fees for every canned good readers deliver for a food drive, ABC 22 reports.

"People don't like paying library fines but they are more than happy to donate to a good cause," Library Director Louise Murphy told the station in the segment above.

But the annual program isn't so, ahem, novel. Libraries in Park City, Utah, Clearwater, Fla., and other cities across the country host similar "Food For Fines" benefits.

And their numbers seem to be increasing.

Patty Sherbondy, director of the Warren Public Library in Pennsylvania, calls the strategy a win-win.

"Donating food items is a great way for library users to take care of their overdue fines and help their neighbors," she told the Times Observer.

You might say it's a fine way to help.