Better late than never: Staff shocked after anonymous patron returns library book WAY overdue after 44 years: ‘It’s like a literary time capsule’
- US Library received an anonymous package
- He had a book that was borrowed in 1979.
An old children’s book has returned to its home almost 50 years after being removed from a library.
A package was sent to the Deschutes Public Library in Oregon containing a long overdue book from 1974, a $20 donation, and a ‘sweet’ note apologizing for not returning it sooner.
The book, titled ‘Hocket’s Trick’, was loaned by an unknown customer on April 25, 1979 according to the card sealed in a pocket on the first page.
Fortunately, the Deschutes Library doesn’t charge for late returns, but the anonymous book lover donated $20 for his troubles.
Staff said receiving the package was like receiving a ‘literary time capsule’ and shared the return online as a reminder to ‘pick up’ any overdue items that may be lying around the house.
A US library received a package in the mail containing an old book that had been checked out in 1979 and an apology note for the 44-year late return.
The book, titled ‘Hocket’s Trick’, was checked out by an unknown customer on April 25, 1979 according to the payment card stamped in a pocket on the first page.
The librarians were surprised when they received a simple, anonymous package and pulled out the old book along with a sincere apology note and a donation.
‘To whom it may concern, Many apologies. This book was likely published in the late 1970s. Please accept this token of apology,” the note inside read.
‘PS: We may have already paid for the book, but this check is put to good use.’
The team posted the find on Facebook to celebrate ‘National Book Loan Return Week’.
“We received a package that included this 1974 copy of The Hockey Trick along with a sweet note explaining that the book had been checked out approximately 45 years ago. It was like getting a literary time capsule! they wrote in a mail.
Thankfully, the Deschutes Library doesn’t charge for late returns, but the anonymous book lover wrote a “sweet” note and donated $20 for her trouble.
“And remember: we don’t charge late fees on books (although there is a replacement fee for lost items), so now would be a good time to pick up your late items and send them back to us.”
Mayra Corn, Deschutes library operations manager, said inside edition the unexpected return has been a “great opportunity to share a nice story with the public.”
‘Any time we can remind the public of all the ways libraries make a difference, that’s a great thing!’ she said.
Mayra said The Hockey Game will be displayed in the library’s administrative offices to serve as “a reminder that it’s never too late to get something off your chest, or to send it in the mail.”
The story delighted bookworms around the world online with a saying, “Better late than never!”
“I bet her mom is happy they finally cleaned her room,” another quipped.
“I wonder if it’s a collector’s item by now,” asked a third.
