Students can turn their overdue book fees into good deeds at Western’s libraries this month.

The libraries are accepting canned food in exchange for overdue book fines through Nov. 20, said Paula Bowles, Library Public Services senior circulation assistant.

“It’s a way to give a little and gain a lot,” she said. “You can get these fees forgiven, and some family may not go hungry because you did.”

One canned good counts as one dollar towards book fines, and students can use canned goods to pay fines up to $5 when they bring the food to the fourth floor of the Cravens Graduate Center and Library, Bowles said.

The number of current overdue book fees accumulated by students is significant, she said.

Until paid, students with fees dues will get a hold on their account, which means they can’t register for classes or graduate, Bowles said.

“They have to pay them eventually, so this is a win-win for the student and the people getting the food,” she said.

The food will be donated to local food pantries at the Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green, Hotel Inc., Faith United Methodist Church, the Housing Authority of Bowling Green and the Salvation Army, Bowles said.

Bowling Green’s Salvation Army feeds about 84 people a day, ranging from homeless to the working-poor, said Corps Officer Maj. Edward Binnix.

Binnix said the need for canned goods is steady, and the Salvation Army relies on the community and local restaurants to help feed those that can’t afford to feed themselves.

The Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green also runs a free food pantry offering bags of food once a month to anyone with an ID, said Cheryl Gregory, secretary of the church.

“We are always in need of canned goods,” she said.

Bowles said she has high hopes for the food drive’s success, and she intends to host the exchange every semester.