Overdue Bucks Co. Library Book Returned After 44 Years

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —Remember that "Seinfeld" episode where Jerry finds out he has a book fine dating back to 1971?

Well, the Yardley-Makefield branch of the Bucks County Free Library just lived out that episode.

The book, "Protecting Our Environment," made its return to the branch 44 years after it was originally checked out, the county library system announced.

“You can imagine how surprised we were to receive this book in the mail, along with the card showing when it was first checked out,” said Pat Hartman, manager of the Yardley-Makefield branch, which opened its doors in 1977. “Needless to say, this book is no longer in our catalog.”

The book —which was edited by Grant S. McClellan —was returned anonymously with a $100 donation and a note thanking the library for helping the world learn.

The note read: "To whomever opens this. Sorry it is long past due. Thank you for helping the world learn."

County library officials said the book was returned on May 12.

“We’re here to help Bucks County access knowledge, entertainment, and community,” Hartman says. “Over the years, library offerings and locations have evolved. What we read about and how we read has evolved. But accessing valuable resources —for free —has remained a constant.”