In a touching story from Detroit, a man named Chuck Hildebrandt recently tried to return a baseball book he borrowed from his childhood library fifty years ago. The book, called βBaseballβs Zaniest Stars,β was checked out by Hildebrandt when he was just 13 years old. While visiting the Warren Public Library during Thanksgiving, he felt it was finally time to return the book he had accidentally kept for so long.
Now 63 and living in Chicago, Hildebrandt explained that the book got lost among many others during his moves over the years. About five or six years ago, he found the book and saw it still had a library tag with a due date of December 4, 1974. Realizing how long it had been overdue, he decided to return it in 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of its due date. He thought the library might enjoy the story and could even use it for some publicity.
When he met with the library director, Oksana Urban, Hildebrandt shared his story and his plan. Although he didnβt get an official response right away, Urban later told the Detroit Free Press that there would be no fines for the overdue book. She mentioned that many people with overdue items often hesitate to return them, but in this case, there was no worry since the book had been taken out of their system a long time ago.
As a way to give back, Hildebrandt decided to turn this unique situation into a chance to help others. He is now trying to raise $4,564 for Reading is Fundamental, a nonprofit group that helps kids learn to read. This amount represents the estimated fine that would have built up over the fifty years the book was overdue. Hildebrandt has already donated $457 to start the fundraising campaign. This story shows how returning a book can lead to something much bigger and highlights the importance of reading and supporting literacy for future generations.
Original news source: Detroit-area library says Chicago man can keep overdue baseball book — 50 years later (AP News)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out key terms or phrases from the article without speaking, while the other groups guess what they are. This can include words like βlibrary,β βoverdue,β βfundraising,β etc.
– NEWS SUMMARY
Instructions: In pairs, students will read the article and then summarize it in 2-3 sentences. Afterward, each pair will share their summary with the class, focusing on the main points and key details.
– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a series of statements based on the article (e.g., "Returning overdue books should always have a fine"). Students will move around the room and place a sticker next to the statement they agree with the most. Afterward, hold a class discussion on the different opinions and why students feel that way.
– SKETCH IT
Instructions: Students will work in pairs to draw a scene from the article without using words. After they finish, they will present their drawings to the class while explaining their scene and how it relates to the story.
– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Ask students to think about the future of libraries and reading. In small groups, they will discuss and write down their predictions for how libraries will change in the next 20 years, inspired by the themes of literacy and community support from the article. Each group will share their predictions with the class.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
The name of the book was βBaseballβs Zaniest Stars.β
Hildebrandt kept the book for about fifty years before returning it.
He felt it was the right time to return the book to mark the 50th anniversary of its due date.
He found a due date of December 4, 1974, on the library tag.
Oksana Urban said there would be no fines for the overdue book since it had been taken out of their system a long time ago.
Hildebrandt is trying to raise money for Reading is Fundamental, a nonprofit group that helps kids learn to read.
Hildebrandt aims to raise $4,564 for the nonprofit group.
The story shows that returning a book can lead to raising awareness and funds for literacy, benefiting the community and future generations.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
In a touching story from Detroit, a man named Chuck Hildebrandt recently tried to return a baseball book he from his childhood library fifty years ago. The book, called βBaseballβs Stars,β was checked out by Hildebrandt when he was just 13 years old. While visiting the Public Library during Thanksgiving, he felt it was finally time to return the book he had accidentally kept for so long. Now 63 and living in , Hildebrandt explained that the book got lost among many others during his moves over the . About five or six years ago, he found the book and saw it still had a library tag with a due date of 4, 1974. Realizing how long it had been overdue, he decided to return it in 2024 to mark the 50th of its due date. He thought the library might enjoy the story and could even use it for some publicity. When he met with the library director, Urban, Hildebrandt shared his story and his plan. Although he didnβt get an official response right away, Urban later told the Detroit Free Press that there would be no fines for the overdue book. She mentioned that many people with overdue often to return them, but in this case, there was no worry since the book had been taken out of their system a long time ago. As a way to give back, Hildebrandt to turn this situation into a chance to help others. He is now trying to raise $4,564 for Reading is Fundamental, a nonprofit group that kids learn to read. This amount the estimated fine that would have built up over the fifty years the book was overdue. Hildebrandt has already donated $457 to start the fundraising . This story shows how a book can lead to something much bigger and highlights the importance of reading and supporting literacy for future generations.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is your favorite childhood book, and why is it special to you?
2. How would you feel if you accidentally kept a library book for many years?
3. Do you think returning an overdue book after many years is a good idea? Why or why not?
4. What is a memorable experience you have had at a library?
5. How do you think libraries can encourage people to return overdue books?
6. Do you like to read books from your childhood? Why or why not?
7. How would you feel if you found a book you loved from your past?
8. Do you think it's important to support literacy programs for kids? Why?
9. What is a way you think people can give back to their community?
10. How would you feel if someone returned a book they borrowed from you after many years?
11. Do you think people should be charged fines for overdue library books? Why or why not?
12. What is a way you have contributed to a cause or charity in your life?
13. How would you react if you discovered a hidden talent or passion after many years?
14. Do you think stories like Chuck's can inspire others to take action? Why?
15. What is a lesson you think we can learn from Chuck's experience with the library book?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
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Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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