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Long Overdue Book Returned to Springfield Library

This is definitely a case of “better late than never.”  An overdue book was anonymously returned this week to the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library’s outdoor book drop.  But this book was years overdue—37 years to be exact.

Clipped to the book, “Is There A Bermuda Triangle? Science and Sea Mysteries,” by Michael J. Cusack, was $6 for late fees.  And there was a small note that read “sorry this is so late.”

The book had been checked out in 1978 when librarians still stamped due dates on index cards tucked into small manila pockets glued inside book covers.

The Library District says the rest, like the Bermuda Triangle, is a mystery.  The library doesn’t have a record of whether it billed someone for the full cost of a lost book in 1978, and patron checkout records don’t go back that far.

The district doesn’t own a copy of the book now, but it has nine different titles about the Bermuda Triangle—the oldest published in 2006.

According to the Springfield-Greene County Libraries, the book likely won’t be returned to the shelves because of its age.  But it will probably show up at the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale.

The district says the maximum fine for a late-but-returned item is $5.  So, whoever returned it paid $1 extra.

The fine will go to the library.

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.