The Monterey Public Library received an unexpected package in the mail, just in time for its annual observance of National Library Week (April 13-19). Inside the package was a copy of St. Thomas Aquinas’ "Treatise on Law" that was last borrowed from the library 57 years ago by a military serviceman who was stationed in Monterey from 1950-51.

 When the former soldier, a Mr. Somrack, was transferred out of Monterey, he apparently forgot that he still had the library book in his possession. He recently found it in the attic of his Ohio home, and returned it to the library by mail. Enclosed, was a handwritten note of explanation and a check in the amount of $500.00 to cover any accumulated overdue fines.

If calculated at the current library overdue rate, the fine would add up to thousands of dollars. However, the library has a maximum fine cap of $7.50 per book, so Library Director Kim Bui-Burton telephoned the gentleman to reassure him that he did not owe such an excessive fine, and to thank him for his efforts. He generously allowed the library to keep the entire $500 as a donation to the library.