Library book returned after 50 years in Plymouth from anonymous sender
PLYMOUTH, LUZERNE COUNTY (WOLF) — A book checked out a half century ago has been returned to a library here in Northeast PA by an anonymous sender.
It’s gained national attention as many wonder who exactly took so long to return a book from the Plymouth Public Library.
Although the identity of the sender remains a mystery, the book titled “Coins You Can Collect,” published in 1967, continued its own story, way beyond Plymouth Borough.
Almost two weeks ago, Laura Keller had a very special surprise when she walked into work.
“Often times you’ll read things like that in novels and you’ll say to yourself that could never happen in real life," said Keller.
A padded envelope addressed to the Plymouth Public Library from Fay, Arkansas carried a book that has been fifty years overdue.
“I opened the envelope and I saw the letter and the book and the twenty dollar bill, I’ll admit, I cried, I cried a lot and I was very surprised, I am still very curious as to who she is," said Keller.
The letter is written in the voice of the book itself, says “fifty years ago, a little girl checked me out of this library in 1971, as you can see she took very good care of me, moving around quite a bit."
“In the letter she talked about how she moved around a lot, and she kept the book with her wherever she moved and had its own spot on her bookshelf, wherever she lived and said that she’s finally returned it she’s going to keep a vacant spot on her bookshelf, that was one of the things that made me cry," said Keller.
Towards the end of the letter, the mystery woman changed her voice to the first person, explaining she had intentions of sending back the book many times, but never got a chance to return it.
Knowing 20 dollars wouldn’t come close to the amount of the fine, for keeping it half a century.
Keller says the donation will help pay off some fines for a local mother.
“I told her the story, I told her what happened and she came in and I showed her the letter and she wanted to make sure that she sent a thank you letter to the borrower and I let her know that we didn’t have a name and said “its ok I will just write dear good Samaritan."
It’s just a little positivity that all of us could use more, in the world today.
“I hope that we are able to find you out, but even if not, I’m just very happy that I got to experience this," said Keller.
Now the book will be on display at the library for whoever that would like to stop in and see it.
We have a tip, the most perfect time to check it out will be during the Plymouth Kielbasa Festival coming to town next week.
