Elgin Academy's 'Miss Marple in the library' takes on 70-year book theft mystery
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ELGIN Academy librarian Shelagh Toonen thought she knew everything there was to know about book thieves.
Missing books are a fact of life in a hectic school library but her motto is: "always bring back the reader, even if not necessarily the book."
One disappearing book, however, has made its way back to the Academy library after nearly 70 years.
But the reader remains a mystery.
Ms Toonen found a bulky envelope addressed to her in the school office two weeks ago (November 25).
Upon opening it, five £10 notes spilled out with a letter and a tatty hardback held together by elastic bands.
She said: "It was amazing – I opened it thinking it was something official in front of the office staff.
"Five £10 notes fell out onto the office floor and they just started screaming.
"This little hardback book fell out, too, which was in bits and held together with rubber bands."
The letter inside the envelope read:
"Dear Librarian,
"Find enclosed a copy of The Modern Chess Primer, by the Rev E E Cunnington.
"I stole this book from the Academy Library in 1954.
"At the time, I lived in Alves and could not meet, regularly, during the holidays, my friends in Class 1A.
"I stole the book, made myself a chess-set out of cardboard, worked through the early chapters, and went back to school, ready to take on my pals in the cloakroom at lunchtime.
"So, thanks to Elgin Academy Library and to The Rev E E Cunnington.
"Find enclosed, also, a contribution to 68 years of unpaid fines.
"Take care.
"The Book Thief."
Now the hunt is on to find The Book Thief.
Not to enforce a lifetime of fines, but for a tour of the Academy library in 2022.
Ms Toonen is captivated by the mystery and it has ignited her inner detective, enlisting her pupils to help crack the case.
She said: "I am a bit of an amateur sleuth – the Miss Marple in the library.
"I am actually doing crime fiction with my S1s at the moment too.
"They fancy themselves as amateur sleuths as well, but none of them have come up with anything so far.
"I just keep asking myself why he returned it, and why didn't he sign his name?
"I am assuming it is a man.
"Had his conscience been bothering him this whole time, or was it nothing like that at all?"
The Book Thief is an Elgin Academy ex-pupil, thought to be at least 80, who was at school in 1954 and lived in Alves.
Ms Toonen, who is the chairwoman of School Libraries Group Scotland, has scoured the message for clues.
She said: "It was an incredible letter and the fact he gave us £50 as well to make up for 68 years of fines is so generous and so kind.
"I just find it fascinating – utterly fascinating.
"It came in with an Elgin postmark, but I think that might just mean it was processed at the Elgin post office."
The money from the anonymous letter will go towards improving the library with new books, displays and equipment.
Elgin Academy's reading leaders, pupils who help shape the direction of the library, want the donation to be spent on something to help remember the legacy of The Book Thief for decades to come.
Should The Book Thief make a visit to his old school, he can expect a celebrity reception.
Ms Toonen said: "The name The Book Thief has been circulating about the school wildly, so we would all just love to find out who it is.
"We are all just loving it.
"And that really is all of us, the head teacher is loving it too.
"We would just love to show whoever it is what a thriving school library looks like in 2022 and how it is different from 1954."
The Book Thief's amnesty is part of the library's mission to make pupils lifelong readers.
As Ms Toonen said, talking about today's book thieves: "Just as long as you get the person back."
If you can help find The Book Thief, email newsdesk@northern-scot.co.uk with your tips.
