Borrower Returning Library Book After 41 Years
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CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) - A library book 41 years overdue is finally returned to the Champaign County Library. The library received $299.30 in cash and a handwritten note that read:
"To Champaign County Library: Sorry I've kept this book so long, but I'm a really slow reader! I've enclosed my fine of $299.30 (41 years, 2 cents a day). Once again, my apologies."
The returned book is titled The Real Book About Snakes. Library Director Ty Henderson said it's amazing the person returned the book after all these years.
"41 years to the day, we got the checkout stamp on the inside cover due July 17, 1972 and so he included 2 cents per day overdue fine payment," said Henderson.
Molly Candady comes to the library often and is moved someone would be honest enough to do what this person did.
"He didn't like just like return it and not pay, he paid the money. That's awesome. That's honesty. He didn't throw it to the wind and say oh it's 41 years, they're not going to know," said Henderson.Henderson said not everyone is as honest and 2 NEWS wanted to know how much money in fines are owed to the county. The total is $280,935 and change.
"A lot of times when books aren't returned, we end up needing to replace those over the years," said Henderson.
Henderson said that money could be going to other advancement in the library. He had a message for those who still owe.
"It's never too late to bring your items back to the library," Henderson said. -
