It’s time to return the library book collecting dust on the night stand, shelf or in the backseat of the car.

The Selma-Dallas County Public Library will accept all overdue books or items and clear the fine during Fine Free month beginning Sept. 1.

“It’s total forgiveness, but we can’t forgive you if your stuff is still out there,” said Library Director Becky Nichols.

In return for removal of the fines, the library asks people to pay the favor forward by donating to a chosen local organization. The organization for September is the Central Alabama Animal Shelter in Selma.

“We’re going to clear your problem, but we are not going to take the money,” Nichols said. “We are going to give it those folks.”

Donations need not be equivalent to the cleared fine.

“If you owe $10, you put in whatever your heart tells you,” Nicholas said.

Every checkout counter has a monetary donation canister and every department has a box for item donations of cat litter, dry dog food or dry cat food.

“We always need litter and food and we are always delighted for anything anybody wants to donate,” said Warren Hinson, director of the Central Alabama Animal Shelter.

She shelter runs solely on donations to support its monthly budget, between $2,000 and $3,000, for food, cleaning supplies, medications, shots and cat litter.

Any items or money given during Fine Free month will go directly to the purchase of food and litter for the shelter’s animals.

A 40-pound bag of dry dog food costs about $30, a 15-pound bag of dry cat food costs about $15 and a 14-pound bag of cat litter costs about $10. If the library collects 30 of each of these items, the shelter will save about $1,650.

The saved money can then be allocated to purchasing shots, such as the $114 for 25 parvo/distemper shots or veterinary bills. Parvovirus is a viral disease that attacks rapidly growing cells, causing various effects such as diarrhea or damage to the heart. Distemper is a viral disease that causes cough, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disturbance, vomiting and diarrhea.

“Donations and the generosity of this town are just amazing,” said Judi Porter, president of Central Alabama Animal Shelter board. “This is a great drive and we are excited about it.”

This is the first time the library has chosen the shelter as the recipient of Fine Free month. Previous recipients of Fine Free month have been the Selma Area Food Bank and school supplies for students.

Fine Free month ends Sept. 30.