1965 Library Book Finally Returned

.c The Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. (July 30) - A book expected back to the library during Lyndon Johnson's presidency has finally been returned.

Someone slipped a copy of ``Miss Abby Fitch-Martin'' in a library book drop Sunday, more than 13,500 days past its due date.

``The theory is someone was cleaning out a relative's house that passed away and found the book,'' said Barbara Hansen of Lincoln City Libraries.

The 178-page hardback book was withdrawn from circulation years ago.

``Miss Abby Fitch-Martin,'' the true tale of a New England clan that adhered to a family code of ``Pedigree, Prudence, Pride and Purse,'' was checked out by a patient at Bryan Memorial Hospital in 1965 through the now-defunct Hospital Book Service.

The due-date card stamped Feb. 17, 1965, was still in the back pocket but the index card listing the borrower has long disappeared.

A blue-and-white bookmark provided one of the first clues the book had long been out of circulation. It listed four branch libraries that no longer exist.

Hansen said the library would not try to collect the late fee of about $3,400.