CBC News North: Yukon library book returned, 50 years late

By Paul Tukker | April 12, 2016

A Yukon library book has been returned from half a world away, and only half a century late.

The book, The Story of Madame Curie by Alice Thorne, was due back at the Whitehorse public library on Dec. 18, 1965. Instead, it took a prolonged side trip to New Zealand.

"My family moved from the Yukon in 1967, and unfortunately this little book was not returned and sat at the bottom of a cabin trunk for many years," wrote Roslyn Selby of Bethlehem, New Zealand, in a letter sent along with the book.

"Only recently finding it (after 50 years), as it is still in reasonable condition, I have decided to return it to you."

Selby wrote that reading has been a lifelong love of hers, and the overdue book — a biography of pioneering researcher of radioactivity Marie Curie — was influential in her young life.

"I went on to a career in medicine (paediatrics), and am sure this book helped to inspire me to do so," she wrote, adding that she recently retired after a 40-year career.

"What an incredible story," said Sarah Gallagher of the Whitehorse Public Library.

Gallagher said she was excited to receive a package at the library, initially thinking it was new DVDs for the collection. What she found was even better.

"There were happy tears," she said.

"I was blown away," said Aimee Ellis, director of Yukon Public Libraries. "You hear about these stories in other libraries, and I was excited and thrilled that we got to experience the pleasure of a long-overdue book with a good story."

So, what about the late fee?

'No doubt I have a large overdue fee now,' Roslyn Selby wrote. She sent along a few new books in lieu of payment. (Paul Tukker/CBC)

Selby didn't send money along, but recognizing her possible debt, she instead included several new books as donations to the Yukon library collection. She also promised to send more in the future.

That more than settles it, said Gallagher.


"It's fine-free month at Yukon Public Libraries. Roslyn had no idea how good her timing was."

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