Delighted librarian shares apology letter from guy who returned a late book 47 years later
'I probably can’t afford the overdue charge…'
An overdue book sent to the Lake Elmo Library.
An anonymous person checked out a book 47 years ago from the library and in an act that’s sure to bless them with an extra helping of good karma, they finally decided to return it. Earlier this month, Karen Rodricks, a library services supervisor at the library in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, opened a package that came in the mail and it contained a book from the ‘70s, "Chilton's Foreign Car Repair Manual."
In an attempt to avoid a gargantuan fine that may have accrued over nearly 50 years, the person who sent the book did so anonymously. Although they did include a thoughtful letter and a $200 donation to the library.
Rodricks told Minnesota Public Radio that it was the most overdue book that she’s ever seen make its way back to the library. “It occasionally happens, but what is so delightful about this book is the note," she said.
The note that accompanied the old car manual read:
In the mid 1970s, I was living in Lake Elmo and working on an old Mercedes Benz. I took out this book for reference. A few months later, I moved and apparently the book got packed up in the move.
47 years later, I found it in a trunk with other interesting things from the 1970s. It's a little overdue, but I thought you might want it back.
My apologies to anyone in Lake Elmo who was working on an old Benz in the last 47 years. I probably can't afford the overdue charge, but I will send you enough for another book.
The good news for the person who sent the book is that even though they did so anonymously, it wasn't necessary. The library no longer charges fines for overdue books, especially those checked out during the Ford administration.
“We haven't had daily fines for overdue materials for a long time, but we still charge a replacement fee if an item is lost or damaged,” the Washington County Library wrote on Facebook. “Back in January we also eliminated what was called a ‘processing fee’ related to extremely overdue items, so now there are no charges for materials that are returned late, just those that are lost or damaged.”
However, the library will happily keep the $200 donation. "The library always needs money, and we can always, we probably will put it towards books," Rodricks told CBS.
Rodricks believes that the person’s decision to return the book shows they are a good citizen. “It expresses that he valued having access to this book 47 years ago and he values the library enough to return it,” she said. “He just took the time, and it means the most to us. We hope other people feel this way about the library, too.”
She told CBS that unfortunately, the "Chilton's Foreign Car Repair Manual” isn’t in good enough condition to be lent again, but she’s happy to keep the note. Let’s just hope that there’s been no one in Lake Elmo with a broke-down Mercedes who couldn’t get around for a few decades because the Chilton’s manual was checked out of the library.
- Academy apologizes to Sacheen Littlefeather for 'abuse' after she refused Marlon Brando's Oscar ›
- Hospice gives elderly couple the beautiful wedding photos they never got ›
- A stranger found a lost library book and returned it with this heartwarming note. ›
- Woman on a mission to save NPR one crop top at a time - Upworthy ›
- A British farmer caught someone dumping 421 tires on his land. His revenge was poetic justice. - Upworthy ›
Woman in denim jacket covers face with sleeve, standing outdoors with blurred background.
Woman with outstretched arms in a sunlit field, enjoying the outdoors.
Lush forest with vibrant green and orange foliage in soft, misty sunlight.
Friends laughing and drinking coffee at a cozy cafe table.
Woman with curly hair in sunlight, eyes closed, wearing a purple top.
Man smiling with hand over face, standing outdoors against a blue sky background.
Hand painting a still life on canvas with blue and orange tones.
Woman sitting on a chair in the water, writing in a notebook at sunset.
Happy Girl GIF by RetMod 
Woman enjoying some self care time.
Women walking down a street.Image via Canva Photos. 
Woman aware of her surroundings in a parking garage. Image via Canva Photos.
"You're hilariously brilliant at everything you hate." 
"Bridget is authentically herself…and triumphs in her own way." 
"They're written in some curious language that I can't really understand."