This week, the Niles District Library is waving fines for those who bring in non-perishable food items or toiletries.

These are two concepts we can get behind: reading and giving back to our community.

Though not significantly large (in most cases), every penny given to the library helps the institution continue to offer the extensive programming, activities and resources that we are so fortunate to have. This is why we are so appreciative of the library for putting its own needs aside, instead focusing on the needs of those less fortunate in our communities.

The Niles District Library offers so much more than books and movies — though those are certainly an important piece of what the library does.

The Niles District Library hosts contents and activities that encourage literacy among youth.

They host community gatherings, like orchestra concerts, political debates and career fairs. Social workers are made available for council at the library. Computers and internet are available for those who do not have those at home, and a vast array of other tools are available through the Library of Things. Folks gather for clubs of all kinds, study groups and community discussions at the library.

The list of resources available at the library goes on and on, and still, the library’s focus is on what more it can do to serve the community.

We encourage those forgetful folks who have utilized the library’s services and not made it back to the library in time to turn in their rentals to take advantage of this waiver during National Library Week.

While they visit to drop off their donations, we would love to see those who are able to take a look around the library and learn just how many resources are available. Then, we hope those individuals pay the library’s good deed forward and tell a friend of all the good work going on at the Niles District Library.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton, sports editor Scott Novak and reporter Adam Droscha.