September 15th 2024.
A heartwarming story has emerged from a library in Virginia, USA, where a book of poetry has been returned after nearly five decades. It's a tale of rediscovery and the power of literature to connect us across time and distance.
According to Catherine Field, the Adult Services Librarian at Hopewell Regional Library, a woman recently walked in with a special find - a copy of Walt Whitman's beloved collection, Leaves of Grass. The book had been checked out on June 3, 1974, and had somehow made its way back to the library after all these years.
The woman explained that she had come across the book while cleaning out her sister's home. As she flipped through the pages, she noticed a due date slip in the back and decided to return it to its rightful home. Field was touched by the gesture and could hardly believe her eyes when she saw the date stamp - it had been over 45 years since the book had last been checked out.
The library had first acquired this particular copy of Leaves of Grass in 1959 and it had been a popular item ever since. Whitman's poetry is considered a true American classic and has captured the hearts of readers for generations. Unfortunately, due to its condition, the book will not be able to return to the library's shelves. However, its return is still a cause for celebration.
One interesting detail about this story is that the library no longer charges late fees for overdue books. This was a conscious decision made to encourage people to return borrowed items and promote a positive relationship with literature. If late fees were still in effect, the book would have accrued a whopping $1700 in charges - a true testament to its long absence.
Local library goer, David Jarrett, expressed his joy at the book's return, saying, "It's great they dismissed the late fees on it, but it's great the book is back. That's the main thing." And he's right - the most important thing is that this treasured book has found its way back to the library where it belongs, ready to be discovered and cherished by new readers.
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