Woman Returns Children’s Book To Maine Library 46 Years After Due Date

Diana Edwards returned a children’s book to Camden Public Library that was due August 10, 1979, making it 46 years overdue. Edwards, a former Camden resident, discovered “Bunches and Bunches of Bunnies” by Louise Mathews while packing for a move from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. “My children and I lived on Pearl Street from the mid-1970s to around 1984 when we moved to Vermont. Those bunnies have been traveling with me since then,” Edwards told the Midcoast Villager newspaper. Amy Hand, the library’s youth services director, shared the story on Instagram and said the book will be used for future story time sessions. The library no longer charges late fees, but previously capped fines at $5 — with maximum penalty being replacement cost. Edwards donated an undisclosed amount to the library in appreciation of staff understanding. (Story URL)