Repaying a Debt to the Library

Local_Library_MainI make frequently use of the local library when working on the book, Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society—Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here and Where We Need to Go.

 

During the course of my research, I had to find books that had long been unpublished. These books were usually not items that can be found in a small local library. At times, they even overtaxed the local county system. However, using interlibrary loan, the valiant librarians would locate these books halfway across the country.

 

I remember one particular rare book that I had a hard time finding. Online, the book costs over one thousand dollars. When I submitted the title to the Spring Grove Gladfelter Library, they located a copy much to my relief.

 

At one point some ten years ago, the librarian asked me: “These books are completely out of the ordinary. What is this project that you are working on?”


“It’s a book,” I replied. “When it finally gets published, I will donate a copy to the library.”

 

Now that the book is published, I suddenly remembered my promise. With great gratitude to those faithful librarians, I was pleased to repay my debt and officially present a copy of the book to the library.