Found in the Library

Have you ever found something – a note, a receipt, a photograph, a postcard – and wondered where it came from or who wrote it? In a library, returned books can carry a lot of extra goodies with them as well as things patrons leave behind on desks, in restrooms, or anywhere else. Have you ever thought of posting those great finds online? That is exactly what Oakland Public Library, CA, librarian Sharon McKellar did. In an article in Library Journal, McKellar talks about the sometimes amazing, sometimes not-so-amazing things she has found in the library over the years. She had always held on to them in her own album of found items but has recently started a blog to highlight her own collection as well as those of her colleagues. McKellar said she was inspired by Found Magazine which has been posting found items from people wanting to share their finds. There is also a newer tumblr called Found in a Library that highlights similar finds. As she notes, librarians have an affinity for those little objects, bits of scrap paper, doodles, and odd notes scratched on receipts because they represent the personal side of people that we don’t normally see or share with others. It also is part of a bigger mystery as to how this item came to be and how it landed in the place it was found. It is also an unexpected thing that you happen to stumble upon that may put a smile on your face or puzzle you to no end. I, personally, have always been drawn to found items as well. As a contributor to Found Magazine myself, and perhaps maybe because of the librarian in me, I am always looking for that little mysterious item that needs to be shared with a wider audience than just one person. What items have you found in the library? Have you held on to them because you just couldn’t throw them away? Have you shared them with others or, perhaps with Found Magazine or another website?