After 56 years the Columbus Library's 'white whale' returns with an apology note

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A long lost treasure returned after a voyage spanning nearly 60 years. Along with it, a letter of apology from the tardy student who checked it out for a book report.

"Much like Captain Ahab from Moby-Dick we here at Columbus Metropolitan Library have been obsessively hunting this lost book for the last 56 years, but alas it has returned to us," Ben Zenitsky, spokesman for the Columbus Metropolitan Library, said.

Herman Melville's Moby-Dick is wildly known for the book's contribution to the literature of the American Renaissance. There have no doubt been one, two or make that thousands of book reports pulled from its pages.

In fact, one young student here in Central Ohio checked it out 56 years ago from the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

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Zenitsky told ABC 6 that book was never returned, until now. Along with it was a unique letter that Zenitksy read to ABC 6.

"The book was due on March 7, 1967, and I'm aware that it is incredibly overdue. As of today, the book is overdue by approximately 56 years and 21 days. I can only imagine the inconvenience and frustration my actions may have caused both the library and other patrons who may have wanted to check out the book.

I want to offer my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience that may have resulted it was a surprise when i found it in a book of old mementos. I understand it is my responsibility to return borrowed items in a timely manner and I failed to do so in this case.

To make amends I have included a brand new volume of the same book along with this letter. I hope that this gesture shows my commitment to making things right.

You may want to know that I only got a mediocre grade on my book report on this book, completed when I was a sophomore at Walnut Ridge high school. However my reading skills improved and I went on to college, graduate school and a successful career in public service. I am now a grandfather who looks forward to taking his granddaughter to story time at the local library where we live. Once again thank you for your understanding," Zenitsky read.

The library system has been understanding. Administrators appreciate the new book and the letter, which they now have on display.

As for that young student who's now a granddad, ABC 6 has not been able to track him down just yet. We'll leave that to the next chapter of this story.