ESCONDIDO - In the holiday spirit, the Escondido Public Library is accepting food donations in lieu of library overdue fines through Dec. 22. Proceeds will benefit Interfaith Community Services.

Food will be accepted at the main library, 239 S. Kalmia St., and the East Valley branch, 2245 E. Valley Parkway.

Anyone who has accumulated fines on their library card can have his or her fines removed by bringing in a food item. The "payment system" works as follows: Each expensive item such as canned hams, powdered infant formula and diapers will count for up to $5 worth of fines for each item, and nonperishable items such as canned vegetables, tuna fish and dried pasta is worth $1 of fines for each item.

Up to $10 per library card will be waived in exchange for donated food.

Food payment may not be used for lost and damaged materials or as payment for city attorney fees. Non-nutritious items such as candy, chips and peanuts; damaged containers; and foods that have passed their expiration dates will not be accepted in lieu of fines.

Information: (760) 839-4684, http://www.library.escondido.org.