A fascinating tale of a long-lost book has unfolded at the John G. McCullough Free Library, leaving staff members intrigued and curious. A 28-year mystery was solved when an anonymous patron returned a book that had been missing since 1997.
The book, "Harriet the Spy," was instantly recognizable to the library staff due to its age and unique features. It was a first edition, and as any book lover knows, first editions are like treasure hunts, with their distinct covers and historical significance.
"Harriet the Spy" has had an impressive journey through time, with at least 16 different covers over the years. One popular cover featured a promotional image from the 1996 film adaptation, starring a young Michelle Trachtenberg. But the returned book had a cover with a personal touch - an illustration by the author herself, Louise Fitzhugh. It depicted Harriet marching down the sidewalk of her NYC neighborhood, a composition book in hand, a true spy on a mission.
What made this edition even more special was its age. The original was published by Harper and Row in 1964, and the returned copy was an early printing, as indicated by the absence of an ISBN, which became standard in 1970. There was also a second edition with the same cover design, but it was easily distinguishable as a reprint due to its "Special Anniversary Edition" label and a different ISBN.
Inside the book, a book plate revealed its true owner - the John G. McCullough Free Library of North Bennington, Vermont. The library staff was delighted to discover that the book had been returned through the Bennington Free Library, utilizing the Interlibrary Loan system. This system allows for the anonymous return of books, which can be dropped off at any time, day or night, into the library's exterior drop boxes.
Library Director Jennie Rozycki expressed her surprise at the return, stating, "I hadn't seen a return that old yet, and I've been here about a decade." Typically, after three years, a book is removed from the library's inventory, and the records are cleared, making it impossible to trace the original borrower.
Youth Services Librarian Martha Bradford shared her joy at the book's return, recalling it as one of her favorite childhood reads from the 1970s. She praised Harriet's spirit and the life lessons the book imparts, teaching kindness, understanding, and the importance of rebuilding relationships.
In the story, Harriet, an aspiring writer and mystery solver, discovers the hard way that being a "truth teller" can have consequences. Her espionage activities and critical notes on her classmates backfired when her notebook was found, leading to a journey of rebuilding friendships and trust.
"Harriet the Spy" has stood the test of time, winning multiple awards and recognitions since its initial publication. It continues to be a beloved classic, with a resurgence in popularity after the 1996 film adaptation. The book has been ranked highly in various surveys and lists, solidifying its place in children's literature.
As for the returned copy, Library Director Rozycki found it to be a "charming story." She plans to keep it as an example of the library's history, a sweet reminder of the book's journey. The library had already replaced the lost book many years ago, so its return was a pleasant surprise.
Rozycki emphasized the library's fine-free policy, encouraging patrons to return items without fear of late fees. The policy, implemented in 2018, has increased the rate of returns and reduced the need for replacement copies. Donations are also accepted to further support the library's collection.
The John G. McCullough Library is located at 2 Main Street in North Bennington, a place where stories come alive and mysteries unfold.
