John
04-16-2009, 12:46 PM
Book thief pays up - after 32 years
A library has received an anonymous £20 donation from someone who failed to return a book borrowed 32 years ago.
Helen Deacon, 49, manager at North End Library in Portsmouth, received a letter containing cash for the theft of Railways between the Wars by HC Casserley.
The anonymous note claimed he failed to return the book after borrowing it from nearby Paulsgrove Library in February 1977, reports the Daily Telegraph.
But the borrower still got off lightly - the library charges 12p per day for overdue books so at today's rates it would have cost £1,364.40.
Miss Deacon said: "It gives you a nice feeling to think after all this time someone has plucked up the courage to make amends for something they stole."
The person also admitting to still having the book, but rather than return it, sent the donation because of its poor condition.
The money has now been re-invested in Portsmouth City Council's book fund to purchase new stock for loan.
Lindy Elliott, Paulsgrove's acting library service manager, said: "Although stealing from a library can never be condoned, we would like to thank the anonymous benefactor for their belated honesty after 32 years.
"We very much appreciate this unexpected gesture and hope the book is still being enjoyed."
A library has received an anonymous £20 donation from someone who failed to return a book borrowed 32 years ago.
Helen Deacon, 49, manager at North End Library in Portsmouth, received a letter containing cash for the theft of Railways between the Wars by HC Casserley.
The anonymous note claimed he failed to return the book after borrowing it from nearby Paulsgrove Library in February 1977, reports the Daily Telegraph.
But the borrower still got off lightly - the library charges 12p per day for overdue books so at today's rates it would have cost £1,364.40.
Miss Deacon said: "It gives you a nice feeling to think after all this time someone has plucked up the courage to make amends for something they stole."
The person also admitting to still having the book, but rather than return it, sent the donation because of its poor condition.
The money has now been re-invested in Portsmouth City Council's book fund to purchase new stock for loan.
Lindy Elliott, Paulsgrove's acting library service manager, said: "Although stealing from a library can never be condoned, we would like to thank the anonymous benefactor for their belated honesty after 32 years.
"We very much appreciate this unexpected gesture and hope the book is still being enjoyed."