Houston Owes Millions and Somebody Stole the Roof from a London Library

In the last decade or so, the Houston, Texas library system reports that almost a quarter of a million books have either not been returned since 1999.  Let me type that another way: almost 250,000 books are just gone cause lazy jerks could not be bothered to swing by a book drop.  Add on another 100,000 items just missing and you come up with a whole lot of materials flittered away.  The best part: nobody reading this in the library community is surprised, except maybe the newbies.  I blame the kids and their rock music.  chron.com

Here's another story from across the pond (Atlantic Ocean) in British People Land:  someone stole the copper from the roof of a London library which allowed rain water to get in a trash the place.  When will people stop inviting rain water to parties?  Anyway, a temporary library has been set up to ensure that the regular thieves still have access to books and DVDs to steal. thisislocallondon

Beer Drinking Conquer Badgers Are Returning Books Stolen by Zee Nazis

Did you know you can buy this on Amazon?

In my attempt to offend every country I can, here's this news story: the Berlin library is giving back the books stolen by looting Nazi's in WWII.    The plundered lootz include an 1883 English language copy of the Communist  Manifesto, possibly owned by Friedrich Engels, which is just funny as all hell.  If you don't get why, learn your history.

Washingtonpost

"A Dog of Flanders" Finds Way Home After 76 Years

Worth more than your soul?

After 76 years, Mark McKee finally returned the book "A Dog of Flanders" to the Mount Clemens, MI public library.  Whew, thank god, I was getting worried.  Every time I went in for the last 75 years I would ask, "Has the book come back yet?"  The staff would just shake their heads and look to the floor.  They bought another copy, and another after that one was destroyed by Tommy Tomerson's labradoodle, but this is about the principle of the thing.  Now the library says that on top of not charging him fines estimated in the thousands, they are not putting the book into circulation.  Rather, they are displaying the book and Mr. McKee's letter as an example that crime pays.  At least that is what I learned from it.  Also, do not be too greedy with the thieving.  Someone should know better now.


Original, more truthful and heart-warming story here.


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