The Powell Library is accepting nonperishable food items in lieu of fines from Nov. 2-Jan. 2.

And while the library is not issuing new fines at the present time, this food drive comes with something of a challenge. It is a friendly competition of sorts among the three libraries in the Park County system: Powell, Cody and Meeteetse.

The food collected in Powell will be donated to Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes or Caring for Powell Animals.

Donations of canned or packaged dry foods in good condition for people and pets will be accepted. Non-food items — such as toilet paper, blankets or soap — are also welcome. Homemade, home-canned or expired items cannot be collected.

In Cody, the donations will benefit The Cody Cupboard and the Park County Animal Shelter. In Meeteetse, instead of food, monetary donations to the Friends of the Library are appreciated, and they will donate the money locally.

Donations cannot be used to forgive amounts owed for lost or damaged books.

Although there are no fines currently being issued, some patrons may have fines hanging around from days past. If those patrons make donations during the food drive, the donations they make can go toward paying off those old fines.

For more information, call the Powell Library at 307-754-8828.

—By Connie Burcham