Books, Overdue by 33 Years, Finally Returned to the Library

A pair of books that were overdue for 33 years were returned to the Los Angeles Public Library this week, making us all feel a little better about our own borrowing habits.

The books are among thousands of materials returned to the Los Angeles Public Library during a fine forgiveness campaign that began Feb. 1 and runs through Valentine’s Day, it was announced today.

“Christmas Stories From Many Lands” by Herbert H. Wernecke and “The Home Book of Christmas,” edited by May Lamberton Becker, were checked out in 1983 from a branch library.

They were returned on Feb. 3 along with a note that read, “I found these in a closet. Sorry.”

The library forgave the patron’s fines, which amounted to $70. A $35 cap on overdue fees ensured that the fines were less severe than they would have been had they been accruing over the entire length of the books’ delinquency.

The “LAPL Misses You” fine forgiveness campaign, which ends on Feb. 14, targets patrons who have taken a break from using the library, or had their accounts frozen, due to mounting fines.

The library will forgive overdue fines, but not some other fees, such as for replacement of a book. Patrons can offer to replace a book themselves, if a librarian gives approval.

More information about the forgiveness program can be found at http://www.lapl.org/missingyou.

City News Service; Photo: pixabay.com