Robert Murray, a man who borrowed a book on woodcraft from the UBC library in 1960 and never returned it, recently decided to send it back to the library after holding onto it for 64 years. The book, Camping and Woodcraft, was published in 1906 and had a significant impact on Murray’s life. He found the book to be a treasure, filled with practical information that proved invaluable during camping trips with his son. Despite always feeling that the book should be returned, it was a news article about someone returning the same book to another library that inspired Murray to finally send it back.
UBC librarian Susan Parker received the book in the mail along with a letter from Murray explaining the circumstances. He expressed his love for the outdoors and how the book had been a treasure to him for over six decades. Murray credited the information he learned from the book with potentially saving his son’s life during a camping trip where they faced adverse weather conditions. After some minor repairs, the book will soon be back on the shelf, joining the vast collection of printed books at UBC. Parker commended Murray for being an ideal steward of the book and returning it in excellent condition.
Murray had initially planned for his wife and daughter to return the book after he passed away, but a health scare prompted him to take action himself. He included a cheque for $100 as a voluntary fine for the overdue book, although UBC no longer charges late fees for library books. The story of Murray returning the book after 64 years serves as a beautiful example of the value and power of libraries. Parker emphasized that books are personal and libraries exist to provide individuals with the means to pursue their interests on a lifelong learning journey.
While Murray has now purchased a new copy of the book, which is still in print, he urged other book lovers not to follow in his footsteps of holding onto library books for decades. Parker echoed this sentiment, encouraging individuals with overdue books to return them promptly. The story of Murray and his cherished borrowed book highlights the special relationship that individuals can have with books and the role that libraries play in supporting people’s interests and passions. Murray’s act of returning the book after 64 years demonstrates his respect for the library and his desire to share the treasure he found in Camping and Woodcraft with others.
