A book borrowed nearly 30 years ago from the Courtenay library was finally returned this week with a note and $100 cash tucked inside, to cover the late fees.
The book, Camping and Woodcraft, was published in 1965, said Colleen Nelson, librarian/manager of the Courtenay branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library.
Nelson got a call a couple weeks ago from a library in Prince George, saying the book had been dropped off there.
“The note explained that the person had borrowed it from the Courtenay library 30 years earlier and they wanted to pay to have the book couriered back to Courtenay and pay the fine,” Nelson said.
“We often get things back late, but to have something returned 30 years late is unusual — and with a large amount of cash inside is also unusual,” she said.
The note said the man would be following up to ensure the book was returned, she said, “but we haven’t heard from them yet.”
The Prince George library staff have the man’s name but have been unable to contact him, said Nelson.
The older gentleman walked into the Nechako branch of the library a few months ago and told the library co-ordinator that he had borrowed the book “many years ago” from the library in Courtenay and had just found it again, said Andrea Palmer, communications co-ordinator for the Prince George Public Library.
He said he’d like it returned to Courtenay and said he had enclosed some money.
Inside the book, which was neatly tied up in yellow flagging tape, was a short note and $100 in crisp $20 bills.
The note read: “To whom it may concern. From Courtenay library. Please find $100.00 for courier back to Courtenay and overdue. I shall contact next week to ensure all is in order. Thanks.”
Palmer said the book, which she estimated was borrowed at least 30 years ago, is the most overdue one she’s come across — although it’s difficult to tell exactly when the book was taken out because the envelope and catalogue card are missing.
Nelson said people often find old library books while packing up to move or doing spring cleaning.
“Often when people take out a book and don’t return it, it’s unintentional. They think they’ve returned it.
“Perhaps this gentleman relocated to Prince George and didn’t know how to get the book back or just thought it was a lost cause.”
The book is now out of print but sells for about $11 on eBay, Nelson said. This particular volume is in rough shape.
“It does look … very well used,” she said.
The book is not in good enough condition to return to circulation, “so we’ll have to find a special place for it here in the branch,” she said.
With a file from The Province
