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Money· 2020s

A child’s $10 note to cover her late fee

By the Editors · As reported by Newsweek, 19 January 2026

FoundColumbus, Ohio, United States

Tucked inside Practical Rules for Cursed Witches by Kayla Cottingham

Reunited — it went back to its owner or their family.

Staff at the Karl Road branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library in Ohio found a handwritten note and a $10 bill inside a returned copy of Practical Rules for Cursed Witches. A young reader named Lily had returned the book a day late and enclosed money to cover the fine. The library no longer charges overdue fees, so staff called her father and invited her back; she came in the same day to collect her money, and the staff praised her honesty.

This is our summary of a find reported in the press. For the full story, photographs and any updates, read the original report in Newsweek.

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