In an unexpected twist, the Parry Sound Public Library in Ontario, Canada, recently welcomed back three iconic Roald Dahl books: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The BFG,” and “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.” These classics had been missing for nearly four decades, long enough to be removed from the library’s catalog. The return of these books not only saved the anonymous borrower from a whopping potential fine of over $1,000 but also marked a nostalgic reunion with editions that predate recent revisions to remove offensive language. Some original copies like these have fetched up to $7,000 in online marketplaces.
The library’s current policy, adopted in 2019, eliminates overdue fines, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with late returns and encourage the community to engage more freely with library resources. Programming Manager Cayla Norrie hinted that the books might have been rediscovered during a home move or cleanup, a fortunate find for both the owner and the library. Thanks to this policy change, the late returner was spared a hefty penalty, highlighting the library’s shift towards a more inclusive and forgiving approach to book lending.
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