If unpaid book fines are stopping you from visiting your local library, you're in luck.

What's more, if you visit one of Wollongong City Council's seven libraries this month, you can not only wipe your fine slate clean, but also help those doing it tough by donating tinned food.

The Food for Fines amnesty will run throughout June, and all the tinned foods donated will be handed over to St Vincent de Paul Society for distribution.

The council's library and community services manager, Jenny Thompson, said this was the third Food for Fines. It was last held in 2012 when more than 1100 tins of food were handed over, and more than $5000 in overdue fines wiped.

"We are hoping for a similar result this time around," Mrs Thompson said.

"This presents a great opportunity for people to clear their fines and also get a glow knowing that they have helped out those needing a helping hand."

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the positive initiative allowed library users to support those in the community who needed a little lift.

"For each regular-sized tin donated the libraries are able to take up to $5 off a person's library account," Councillor Bradbery said.

"I'd encourage people to be generous in their donations. I'm sure neither our librarians or the St Vincent de Paul Society would discourage anyone who wanted to hand over extra tins. Or stop anyone who wanted to just drop some food off to give someone in need a helping hand."

Food for Fines applies to fines only, not lost items.

More than 28,000 people used Wollongong libraries and borrowed more than 1.2 million items last year.