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.
