In a heartwarming tale from Detroit, a man named Chuck Hildebrandt recently attempted to return a baseball book he had borrowed from his childhood library fifty years ago. The book, titled “Baseball’s Zaniest Stars,” was taken out by Hildebrandt when he was just 13 years old. During a visit to the Warren Public Library while celebrating Thanksgiving, he decided it was time to return the long-overdue item, which he had inadvertently kept all these years.

Hildebrandt, now 63 and residing in Chicago, explained that the book had been lost among many others during his various moves throughout the years. It wasn’t until five or six years ago that he discovered the book still had a library tag with a due date of December 4, 1974. Realizing the significance of the overdue book, he made a plan to return it in 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of its due date. He believed that the library might appreciate the story behind the return and could use it for publicity.

Upon meeting with the library director, Oksana Urban, Hildebrandt shared his story and intentions. Although he had not received a formal response since their meeting, Urban later confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that there would be no penalties for the overdue book. She remarked that many patrons with overdue items often avoid returning, but in this case, there was no need for concern since the book had been removed from their system long ago.

As a gesture of goodwill, Hildebrandt decided to turn this unusual situation into a charitable opportunity. He is now working to raise $4,564 for Reading is Fundamental, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy among children. This amount was chosen to symbolize the approximate fine that would have accumulated over the fifty years the book was overdue. Hildebrandt has already contributed $457 to kickstart the fundraising effort.

In conclusion, this story not only highlights the importance of libraries and the joy of reading but also showcases how a simple act of returning a book can lead to a greater cause. Hildebrandt’s journey with “Baseball’s Zaniest Stars” serves as a reminder that it is never too late to make amends and contribute positively to the community. His efforts to support literacy reflect a commitment to ensuring that future generations have access to the joy of reading.

Original news source: Detroit-area library says Chicago man can keep overdue baseball book — 50 years later (AP News)

🎧 Listen:

Slow

Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out key scenes from the article without speaking, while their classmates guess what they are portraying. Focus on important moments like returning the book, meeting with the library director, and the fundraising effort.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will discuss their opinions on the importance of returning borrowed items, libraries, and literacy. After a brief discussion, they will conduct a poll among their classmates to see how many agree or disagree with various statements related to these topics.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In small groups, students will create a mind map based on the themes of the article. They should include ideas such as the significance of libraries, the act of returning items, and the concept of community service. Each group will present their mind map to the class.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work individually or in pairs to create catchy headlines for the article. They should focus on capturing the essence of the story in a few words while being creative and engaging. After creating their headlines, they will share them with the class.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Students will discuss and write predictions about how Hildebrandt’s story might inspire others to return overdue books or support literacy initiatives in the future. They will share their predictions in small groups and provide reasons for their ideas.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What prompted Chuck Hildebrandt to return the baseball book he borrowed fifty years ago?
2. How did Hildebrandt come to realize that he still had the book with the library tag?
3. What was the significance of the due date December 4, 1974, in Hildebrandt’s plan?
4. How did the library director, Oksana Urban, respond to Hildebrandt’s story about the overdue book?
5. What charitable opportunity did Hildebrandt create from his experience with the overdue book?
6. How much money is Hildebrandt aiming to raise for Reading is Fundamental, and what does this amount represent?
7. In what ways does Hildebrandt’s story emphasize the importance of libraries and reading?
8. What message does Hildebrandt’s journey with “Baseball’s Zaniest Stars” convey about making amends and contributing to the community?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In a heartwarming tale from Detroit, a man named (1)______ Hildebrandt recently attempted to return a baseball book he had borrowed from his childhood library fifty years ago. The book, titled “Baseball’s Zaniest Stars,” was taken out by Hildebrandt when he was just 13 years old. During a visit to the Warren Public Library while celebrating (2)______, he decided it was time to return the long-overdue item, which he had inadvertently kept all these years.

Hildebrandt, now 63 and residing in (3)______, (4)______ that the book had been lost among many others during his various moves throughout the years. It wasn’t until five or six years ago that he discovered the book still had a library tag with a due date of December 4, 1974. Realizing the significance of the overdue book, he made a plan to (5)______ it in 2024, (6)______ the 50th anniversary of its due date. He believed that the library might appreciate the story behind the return and could use it for publicity.

Upon meeting with the library director, Oksana (7)______, Hildebrandt shared his story and intentions. Although he had not (8)______ a formal response since their meeting, Urban later confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that there would be no (9)______ for the overdue book. She remarked that many patrons with overdue items often avoid returning, but in this case, there was no need for concern since the book had been removed from their system long ago.

As a gesture of goodwill, (10)______ decided to turn this unusual situation into a charitable (11)______. He is now working to raise $4,564 for Reading is Fundamental, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy among children. This amount was (12)______ to symbolize the approximate fine that would have accumulated over the fifty years the book was overdue. Hildebrandt has already contributed $457 to (13)______ the fundraising effort.

In conclusion, this story not only highlights the importance of libraries and the joy of reading but also showcases how a simple act of returning a book can lead to a (14)______ cause. Hildebrandt’s journey with “Baseball’s Zaniest Stars” serves as a reminder that it is never too late to make amends and contribute positively to the community. His (15)______ to (16)______ literacy reflect a commitment to ensuring that future generations have access to the joy of reading.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a significant memory you have related to a library or a book from your childhood?

2. How would you feel if you discovered that you had an overdue library book from many years ago?

3. Do you think it is important to return borrowed items, even if a long time has passed? Why or why not?

4. What is a cause or charity that you feel passionate about, and why is it important to you?

5. How do you think libraries contribute to a community’s culture and education?

6. Do you like sharing personal stories with others, especially if they involve mistakes or regrets? Why or why not?

7. How would you react if a friend returned a long-lost item after many years?

8. Do you think that people should be forgiven for past mistakes, like keeping a library book too long? Why or why not?

9. What is a lesson you have learned from a mistake you made in the past?

10. How do you feel about the idea of using past mistakes as a way to help others, like fundraising for a charity?

11. Do you think that people are more likely to return overdue items if there are no penalties? Why or why not?

12. What is a book that has had a significant impact on your life, and how did it affect you?

13. How would you feel if you were in the position of the library director receiving the overdue book after so many years?

14. Do you think that storytelling can play a role in encouraging people to read more? Why or why not?

15. What is a way you think individuals can contribute positively to their community, similar to Hildebrandt’s efforts?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. inadvertently
2. residing
3. significance
4. publicity
5. patrons
6. charitable
7. nonprofit
8. literacy
9. accumulated
10. overdue
11. amends
12. contribute
13. fundamental
14. approximate
15. gesture

Meanings:
(A) Not returned or paid by the expected time
(B) Without intention; accidentally
(C) The ability to read and write
(D) To give or add something, especially to a cause or effort
(E) Living in a particular place
(F) Actions taken to correct a mistake or wrongdoing
(G) Serving as a basic or essential part of something
(H) An organization that does not aim to make a profit, often for a social cause
(I) Regular customers or visitors, especially to a library or store
(J) Gathered or built up over time
(K) Close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact
(L) The attention or notice given to something by the public
(M) Related to helping others, often through donations or volunteer work
(N) An action or sign that expresses a feeling or intention
(O) The importance or meaning of something
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was the title of the book that Chuck Hildebrandt attempted to return?
(a) Baseball’s Zaniest Stars
(b) Baseball for Beginners
(c) The History of Baseball
(d) Famous Baseball Players

2. How many years did Chuck Hildebrandt keep the book before returning it?
(a) 40 years
(b) 30 years
(c) 20 years
(d) 50 years

3. Where did Chuck Hildebrandt decide to return the overdue book?
(a) Chicago Public Library
(b) Warren Public Library
(c) Detroit Public Library
(d) New York Public Library

4. What was the due date printed on the library tag of the book?
(a) December 4, 1984
(b) December 4, 1964
(c) December 4, 1994
(d) December 4, 1974

5. What organization is Chuck Hildebrandt raising funds for?
(a) Books for Kids
(b) Literacy Volunteers
(c) Reading is Fundamental
(d) Save the Libraries

6. How much money is Chuck Hildebrandt aiming to raise for the charity?
(a) $5,000
(b) $3,000
(c) $4,564
(d) $2,500

7. What amount did Chuck Hildebrandt initially contribute to kickstart the fundraising effort?
(a) $457
(b) $500
(c) $400
(d) $600

8. Who is the library director that Chuck Hildebrandt met with regarding the book return?
(a) Sarah Johnson
(b) Oksana Urban
(c) Emily Davis
(d) Michael Smith

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Hildebrandt plans to return the book in 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of its due date.
2. He found out the book had a library sticker with a due date of December 4, 1984.
3. He has already contributed $457 to kickstart the fundraising effort.
4. The library director, Oksana Urban, confirmed there would be no penalties for the overdue book.
5. Hildebrandt was 14 years old when he borrowed the book.
6. Chuck Hildebrandt borrowed a baseball book from his childhood library fifty years ago.
7. Hildebrandt is collecting $4,564 for Reading is Fundamental, a charitable organization advocating for literacy.
8. The book he rented is called “Baseball’s Craziest Celebrities.”
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What motivated Chuck Hildebrandt to return the overdue baseball book after fifty years?
2. How did Hildebrandt plan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the book’s due date?
3. What was the library’s response to Hildebrandt’s return of the overdue book?
4. How is Hildebrandt using his experience with the overdue book to support literacy?
5. What broader message does Hildebrandt’s story convey about libraries and community contributions?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What prompted Chuck Hildebrandt to return the baseball book he borrowed fifty years ago?
Hildebrandt decided it was time to return the long-overdue item while celebrating Thanksgiving and felt it was a good opportunity to make amends.

2. How did Hildebrandt come to realize that he still had the book with the library tag?
He discovered the book still had a library tag with a due date of December 4, 1974, about five or six years ago while going through his belongings.

3. What was the significance of the due date December 4, 1974, in Hildebrandt’s plan?
The due date marked the 50th anniversary of when the book was supposed to be returned, which Hildebrandt planned to commemorate by returning it in 2024.

4. How did the library director, Oksana Urban, respond to Hildebrandt’s story about the overdue book?
Urban confirmed that there would be no penalties for the overdue book and noted that it had been removed from their system long ago.

5. What charitable opportunity did Hildebrandt create from his experience with the overdue book?
He decided to raise $4,564 for Reading is Fundamental, a nonprofit organization promoting literacy among children.

6. How much money is Hildebrandt aiming to raise for Reading is Fundamental, and what does this amount represent?
Hildebrandt is aiming to raise $4,564, which symbolizes the approximate fine that would have accumulated over the fifty years the book was overdue.

7. In what ways does Hildebrandt’s story emphasize the importance of libraries and reading?
The story highlights the joy of reading, the significance of libraries in the community, and how returning a book can lead to positive outcomes.

8. What message does Hildebrandt’s journey with “Baseball’s Zaniest Stars” convey about making amends and contributing to the community?
His journey conveys that it is never too late to make amends and that individuals can contribute positively to their community through acts of goodwill.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Chuck
(2) Thanksgiving
(3) Chicago
(4) explained
(5) return
(6) marking
(7) Urban
(8) received
(9) penalties
(10) Hildebrandt
(11) opportunity
(12) chosen
(13) kickstart
(14) greater
(15) efforts
(16) support
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. inadvertently
Answer: (B) Without intention; accidentally

2. residing
Answer: (E) Living in a particular place

3. significance
Answer: (O) The importance or meaning of something

4. publicity
Answer: (L) The attention or notice given to something by the public

5. patrons
Answer: (I) Regular customers or visitors, especially to a library or store

6. charitable
Answer: (M) Related to helping others, often through donations or volunteer work

7. nonprofit
Answer: (H) An organization that does not aim to make a profit, often for a social cause

8. literacy
Answer: (C) The ability to read and write

9. accumulated
Answer: (J) Gathered or built up over time

10. overdue
Answer: (A) Not returned or paid by the expected time

11. amends
Answer: (F) Actions taken to correct a mistake or wrongdoing

12. contribute
Answer: (D) To give or add something, especially to a cause or effort

13. fundamental
Answer: (G) Serving as a basic or essential part of something

14. approximate
Answer: (K) Close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact

15. gesture
Answer: (N) An action or sign that expresses a feeling or intention
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was the title of the book that Chuck Hildebrandt attempted to return?
Answer: (a) Baseball’s Zaniest Stars

2. How many years did Chuck Hildebrandt keep the book before returning it?
Answer: (d) 50 years

3. Where did Chuck Hildebrandt decide to return the overdue book?
Answer: (b) Warren Public Library

4. What was the due date printed on the library tag of the book?
Answer: (d) December 4, 1974

5. What organization is Chuck Hildebrandt raising funds for?
Answer: (c) Reading is Fundamental

6. How much money is Chuck Hildebrandt aiming to raise for the charity?
Answer: (c) $4,564

7. What amount did Chuck Hildebrandt initially contribute to kickstart the fundraising effort?
Answer: (a) $457

8. Who is the library director that Chuck Hildebrandt met with regarding the book return?
Answer: (b) Oksana Urban
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Hildebrandt plans to return the book in 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of its due date. (Answer: True)
2. He found out the book had a library sticker with a due date of December 4, 1984. (Answer: False)
3. He has already contributed $457 to kickstart the fundraising effort. (Answer: True)
4. The library director, Oksana Urban, confirmed there would be no penalties for the overdue book. (Answer: True)
5. Hildebrandt was 14 years old when he borrowed the book. (Answer: False)
6. Chuck Hildebrandt borrowed a baseball book from his childhood library fifty years ago. (Answer: True)
7. Hildebrandt is collecting $4,564 for Reading is Fundamental, a charitable organization advocating for literacy. (Answer: False)
8. The book he rented is called “Baseball’s Craziest Celebrities.” (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧