IMG_0595, courtesy of Arlington Public Library
The Arlington Library has apparently put the most overdue book ever up for display in the lobby of Central Library and have some pictures in a Flickr photoset. I’m not sure this is the right message to send – the story says that the book was returned after thirty years along with a $25 check. You can see from the inner pocket that the book originally cost the library system $6.50.
$6.50 for thirty years at 11% interest, compounded monthly, is $173.60. The Arlington Library system is celebrating a deadbeat! Where’s the remaining $148.60, Sarah McKee?
Well I used to say something in my profile about not quite being a “tinker, tailor, soldier, or spy” but Tom stole that for our about us page, so I guess I’ll have to find another way to express that I am a man of many interests.
Hmm, guess I just did.
My tastes run the gamut from sophomoric to Shakespeare and in my “professional” life I’ve sold things, served beer, written software, and carried heavy objects… sometimes at the same place. It’s that range of loves and activities that makes it so easy for me to love DC – we’ve got it all.
me thinks it is not in the best interest of arlington public library to glorify late returns. i mean, who says i don’t want to hang on to my copy of twilight, just to see if in 45 years it makes it into a display box?
You know, my sister has an overdue book that has to be reaching the third decade mark. I should track that down..maybe if I turn her in, I can get a cut of the late fees… :OP
Whew – it wasn’t my book! I was afraid to look at the picture.