Library return sets record

WHEN the 1974 edition of the American publication, “Shooter’s Bible”, reappeared at the Feilding Public Library recently after an absence of nearly 20 years, it may well have created an overdue record for the library.

Library Manager, Simon Johnson, said he could not recall a book that had gone “missing in action” for such a long period of time.

“Books sometimes turn up after they’ve been out for a while, but this is the longest I know of,” he said.

He appreciated the book’s return, even though its deteriorating condition prevented it from being returned to the shelves. One library user, however, has already indicated interest in purchasing the 576-page book which contains articles on firearms and accessories, as well as feature stories on safaris, hunting trips and conservation.

“Shooter’s Bible” was issued in September 1988 (due back on October 13) at a time when the library had no computer management system for issues and returns and used a Victorian-age card system.

“Punched cards were put into a pocket at the back of the book but were often used as book markers and became lost,” said Mr Johnson. “It was a system that was difficult to police and took a huge amount of time to manage.”

He said the book had been purchased by the library in 1976 and been issued a number of time before its final loan.

In the meantime, it will be used by the library to gently remind users of any overdue books they may have in their possession.

“I’d like to think that people who have books that are only two weeks overdue will bring them back before they get to this particular stage,” said Mr Johnson. “No matter how overdue a book is, we are happy to receive it back – and the maximum fine is only $3, whether it’s three weeks overdue or 20 years.”