Woman returns book to Norfolk library decades later

In late 1986, Donna Corbus thought she might try out for a role in a local play, so she checked out the script from the Norfolk Public Library.

In September 2011, she returned it.

"I am embarrassed to return this book, Butterflies are Free, after such a long time," the Portsmouth resident wrote in a letter to the library. "My daughter, who was a baby at the time I borrowed the book, now has a Master's degree and just bought her first house."

Corbus noted that, during the nearly 25 years she had the book, she moved once, raised her daughter, cared for her elderly mother (who had Alzheimer's) and father, and enrolled in college, from which she will graduate in December. It was during the move, she figures, that "Butterflies are Free" ended up in a box marked "Pictures," where it remained and remained and remained until Corbus came across it and - filled with guilt - set it free.

"I share this with you because I wanted you to know that I did not go on to lead a life of crime," she wrote.

Sean Bilby, collection development librarian for the library, said it is rare for a book to find its way back after such a long time.

But Corbus had to come clean. Although a friend suggested she leave it anonymously in the book drop after hours, Corbus faced the music - and the laughter - by bringing "Butterflies are Free" personally to the circulation desk.

During fine-free days, the library accepted donations to the food bank, and Corbus brought two big bags.

"Thank you for offering fine amnesty; it allows the guilt ridden, like me, a chance to redeem ourselves," Corbus wrote. "After 24 years, the butterflies aren't the only ones that are free, finally so am I!"

Bilby said the book probably will go back into circulation, because it has "enduring value." (It is a play that was adapted for a 1972 film starring Goldie Hawn.)

And Corbus? She never did try out for the play.

Diane Tennant, (757) 446-2478, diane.tennant@pilotonline.com