This post re-blogged via the Wall Street Journal’s Best of the Web email and KPCC (Southern California Public Radio) News in Brief:
Most Americans take their library privileges seriously. A recent Zogby poll found just six out of a hundred people confessed to not returning library books. KPCC’s Special Correspondent Kitty Felde found one library patron who’s more conscientious than most.
Image by John Niedermeyer via Flickr
Kitty Felde: Chesley Sullenberger has a problem. He borrowed a book from the Danville Library – and it’s overdue. To complicate matters, the book was an interlibrary loan from Fresno State.
Sullenberger contacted librarians and asked for an extension on the loan and a waiver on the overdue fine. The reason? The book is in the cargo hold of the US Airways plane that made an emergency landing last month in New York’s Hudson River. Sullenberger is the pilot who made that landing. No one was seriously injured.
Fresno State library officials were impressed with Sullenberger’s sense of responsibility… and waived all fines and fees, even the one for losing the book. The library’s going one step further: when the replacement book goes up on the shelf, it will have a special template in front, dedicating it to Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger.
Oh, by the way. The topic of that book? Professional ethics.
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Peter and Betsy Wuebker are location-independent professionals who share what they know about travel, simplicity and integrating work with life. 
That is quite impressive. I can’t even imagine remember a book – even in the aftermath of a situation like that.
Matthew Dryden´s last blog post..Spoken Word: My First Slam
This reminds me of the Seinfeld episode when Seinfeld receives a note from the library saying he borrowed a book in 1971 and never returned it.
Hi Matthew – I think I’d be looking for the nearest laundry instead of thinking about my library book. What a guy, eh?
Hi Vered – Hahahah. Remembered that one! This guy HAS to do something icky, but probably nothing worse than leaving his socks on the floor or something. Thanks.
With all the fees I’ve had to pay to the library in the past 5 years I could probably go to Bermuda on vacation. I’m not bad-mouthing them, it was my entire fault. But 20 cents per book per day adds up, boy howdy when you have ten cooks out for a couplw weeks longer than you’re supposed to.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Kalyani’s Magic Fuzzy Pants
LOL Betsy – that is a brilliant story. It must have been terrifying being on that plane though.
I got a call from the library a few years ago. My books had been damaged when my house was flooded. The guy on the phone told me he hated calling people for overdue books – because often, the borrower had died.
Cath Lawson´s last blog post..Google PageRank Is Meaningless But We Still Bloody Well Need It
Hi Jannie – Yes, they do add up, even more so these days, don’t they? And sometimes, they are not very nice about demanding their payments. (Not that I’d know).
Hi Cath – Isn’t that the greatest! I heard the transcript; he was cool as a cucumber, very matter of fact: “We’re gonna be in the Hudson.” Pete should make a t-shirt of that. I called on a business reason for someone once who had died; it was terrible. I can’t imagine.
I heard this story too and am so glad you wrote about it for others to enjoy – a very nice and responsible guy…
I donate my read books to the Friends of the Library summer book sale, they never make me pay for overdue books any more…I have a credit. The only time the ask for one back is when there is a request for one I have had over a month.
I also replaced 15 books that were damaged when our hot water heater burst and ruined the bedroom floors. I stack books by my bed and reading chair on the floor.
I think if you have a responsible record the library is responsible to you too…
Good post…I truly enjoyed reading the story again.
Patricia´s last blog post..Observation Point
Hi Patricia – I know, wasn’t this a great story. Sully sounds like a wonderful guy to know. I agree, if you’re willing to invest in the relationship with the library, such as you and Sully have, why wouldn’t they want to work with you? Pete and I have been talking about using our library more – we’re not about buying as many books as we have in the past. It’s time to dust off the old card and get over there. Thanks!
Besty -
Talk about an inspirational post – this one is the BEST!!!
It appears that the pilot wasn’t the ONLY hero on that plane. Glad this hero is getting some recognition as well!
Kathy | Virtual Impax´s last blog post..Cash4Gold and the Ensuing Social Media Firestorm
Hi Kathy – Thanks!
Hi Betsy – I’m going to search for that transcript. I did hear that he called his wife to say that he would be late home.
I didn’t know about it until I was searching for deals on US Airways fares and the press release popped up on the first page. The price has risen now – I guess that if they can save people from situations like that – folk will be desperate to fly with them.
CatherineL´s last blog post..Google PageRank Is Meaningless But We Still Bloody Well Need It
Hi Cath – No kidding! I’d want that guy flying the plane I was on, for sure!