Flashing some underwear in exchange for a reduced fine will get you into trouble in some places, but not at Plumb Library.

This month, the Rochester book lenders are canceling late fees in exchange for a donation of skivvies to the New Bedford charity Gifts to Give.

The Junior Friends of the Library are heading up the drive. Librarian and Junior Friends facilitator Lisa Fuller got the idea after learning that Mattapoisett's Junior Friend put up a mitten tree to collect donations during the holiday season.

“Underwear is a very needed item," Fuller said. "It’s one of those things that people don’t like to donate for some bizarre reason.”

The Junior Friends set up a laundry basket to collect boxers and briefs. “Rochester decided to go cutting edge, risk everything,” joked Fuller. “Our basket is almost full, and the kids are excited. I think I’m going to need another basket.”

In other drives, Fuller said it’s been difficult to generate a lot of donations.

But there’s something about underwear.

“People think it’s fun. I have one patron who comes in and gives me underwear each time,” said Fuller.

The library is collecting underthings for babies to teenagers, including socks. “We obviously tend to have more of the little kids in here, so we’re probably going to work on requesting underwear for teeny boppers,” Fuller said.

Besides the age range, there’s only one real rule for the bucket o’ briefs, said Fuller, “It’s gotta be new.”

The underwear drive runs through the end of December. The library is also collecting non-perishable food in exchange for forgiving fees.