#24: The Book Bandit
This storyteller was banned from their local library as a kid! This was unfortunate because they loved to read so much and didn’t have a lot of money for books. They were so dedicated to reading that they would walk the six-mile trip from their house to the library with a wheeled suitcase to fill with books! Once there, they’d borrow 25 books at a time but could never return them fast enough.
The late fees piled up really fast, and the library had a policy of canceling your card once you hit $70 in late fees. Our storyteller got so desperate for books that they ended up stealing books and then surreptitiously returning them. The librarians probably knew but turned a blind eye because they’re the best. Thankfully a lot of libraries are now waiving late fees, so people have the opportunity to read as much as they like, no matter their circumstances.