It’s not uncommon for books to be checked out of libraries and never returned.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of books missing from Vancouver Island libraries, and until recently a 1965 copy of “Camping and Woodcraft: A Handbook for Vacation Campers and for Travelers in the Wilderness” was one of them.
That changed earlier this month, when the water-stained and dog-eared book turned up at the Courtenay library from which it was borrowed some 30 years ago.
“We often have books returned that are a few years late or a few months late,” said library manager Colleen Nelson. “This one being 30 years late is certainly the longest one that I’ve ever seen.”
The name of the book’s borrower remains a secret, but he told CTV News that he was 14 when he borrowed it. The avid outdoorsman now nearing his 45th birthday said he got great use out of the book over the years, but knew the time had come to give it back.
He returned the book to his local library in Prince George with a note explaining the situation and five $20 bills to cover the late fees.
Usually, if a book has been missing for a few years, the library will buy a replacement and attempt to charge the borrower for it. Nelson said the $100 more than covers the cost of the replacement.
She said the book’s age and condition mean it won’t be returned to the library’s collection, but its story could make it a good reminder to the public that it’s never too late to bring back an old library book.
“This book has outlived its usefulness, unfortunately,” Nelson said. “We won’t put it back into the collection, but we will have to find a special spot for it in the branch. It might have to go on display somewhere so people can see it.”
