The Medicine Hat Public Library (MHPL) is allowing residents in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to pay off overdue fines by donating non‑perishable food throughout February 2026. The month‑long initiative restores access to borrowing and public computers while supporting the Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub (formerly the Medicine Hat & District Food Bank).
Each non‑perishable food item brought to the customer service desk at the main library (414 1 Street SE) will be applied as a $2.00 waiver against a patron’s overdue fines. The $2.00-per-item rate is an increase from earlier years, when donations were credited at $1.00 per item. The program applies a manual waiver at the desk and has a per‑person maximum.
Adults and Young Adult cardholders may clear up to $20.00 in outstanding fines through the program; Child cardholders reach the account block threshold at $10.00 under MHPL policy. When an account’s outstanding fines reach these thresholds, the library blocks borrowing privileges—so the Food for Fines drive is intended as a rapid way for households to restore borrowing and computer access while contributing to local food supports.
The Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub provides emergency and wellness‑focused food supports to the community and was accredited through Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence in 2025. MHPL officials say the program is intended to remove financial barriers to library services and to help stock the shelves of the Root Cellar.
Note: MHPL policy distinguishes overdue fines from replacement fees for lost or damaged items; the standard policy treatment of replacement/lost‑item charges differs from overdue‑fine waivers, and it is not confirmed in the public materials whether those replacement fees are eligible for the Food for Fines waivers. For details, patrons should ask staff at the customer service desk or consult MHPL’s account policy online.
