The ACT Public Library Service has a deal at the moment for people with late fees who don’t want to add money to the gubment coffers or can’t quite afford to pay. (You can certainly pick up tinned food for less than $2 if you’re a bit cheap) From their email:

Do you have fines for overdue library items? Do you have an overdue library item that needs returning?

From 1 – 24 December 2010, ACT Public Library members are encouraged to donate tins or packets of non-perishable food in exchange for fines being removed from their membership record. One tin or packet of non-perishable food = $2 or less of fines. For example, donating three tins will clear up to $6 of fines. Food for Fines only applies to overdue fines.

All food will be donated to OzHarvest Canberra who provide food to 55 charities in Canberra and Queanbeyan, supporting many individuals in the community who are in need. Food for Fines is an opportunity to support people who are in need during the holiday period.

More details on the website.