Books mysteriously returned
Published: August 7, 2006
A WANNABE spy with a guilty conscience has returned three library books to a Melbourne library — 21 years overdue.
The books were mysteriously returned to Sam Merrifield Library in Moonee Ponds late last month with an apology note and a $50 bill.
Branch Librarian Margaret Young was delighted that the books — CIA: The Honourable Company, The Espionage Establishment and Their Trade is Treachery, The Russian Penetration of the Free World Secret Defences — had been returned.
They were in excellent condition, except for the one that the anonymous borrower admitted had been damaged by a dog.
“The note is just gorgeous,” Mrs Young said.
“They’re all spy books, I think it’s brilliant, it’s just a classic.
“We were just totally amazed and grateful that they have returned the books, especially after so many years.”
The books were due on June 18, 1985 and would have incurred almost $5800 in overdue fines. But, because of the sweet letter and $50 note, Mrs Young said all was forgiven.
“I’m calling it square,” she said.
“We thank them for returning the books and hope their conscience is at ease.
“I’d like to think they can come back into the library one day to borrow more material — as long as they return or renew it.”
The letter
To whom it may concern,
Roughly 20 years ago I failed to return three books to your library. In essence I stole them. During that time one of the books was damaged by my dog. I have enclosed all three books and a sum of money that will go some way toward replacing the damaged book.
My actions were unforgivable; a theif (sic) is a theif. Please accept my apology for stealing the books and for not having the morale (sic) courage to return them sooner.
I want you to know that for the last few years this theft has bothered my conscience and I am sorry I was so selfish to steal them in the first place.
I hope this goes some small way to making amends for my actions.
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