Lost and Found

I often think someone could write a mystery book about a items left in the Library's Lost and Found.  Maybe it could be an espionage story about a secret message on an item left at the Library or a heartwarming story about a child being reunited with a favorite stuffed animal.  Regardless, there are many interesting items in the Library's Lost and Found that may be reclaimed at the Help Desk.

Staff at the Help Desk are the stewards of Lost and Found and can share many interesting stories about items left behind.  Today's items feature one crutch, a cell phone, a wallet, miscellaneous IDs, a few umbrellas, some homework assignments, and a bag full of wet swimsuits and towels (must have been at the Rec Center pool before stopping at the Library).  A clue to that lost item:  "Anderson" is a monogrammed on the bag.

When we are able to identify the owner of an item (often through their Library Card account) we call or eMail to let the person know the item is at the Library.  Library Cards left at the Library are "stopped" and then mailed to the patron.  Stopped cards must be activated again via a call to the Library or visit to the Help Desk.

Unfortunately we can also tell stories about liquids oozing out of lunch boxes, mold growing in sippy cups, and other unsavory tales of woe.  Because of this, we have a new procedure to throw away anything that goes into the mouth (sippy cups, pacifiers), personal grooming items, and anything else that may illicit an "eeeewww" or strong gag reflex.

So you might ask, "What happens to all the unclaimed items?" Photo IDs and any items of value that have not been reclaimed after a period of time are sent to the Iowa City Police Department.  Clothing and other miscellaneous items are donated to Goodwill.  Papers are recycled and books are considered a donation to the Library.

If you are looking for a lost item that may have been left at the Library, please give us a call or stop by the Help Desk.  If you are curious about found items around the world, there are a number of webpages that catalog found items including Found magazine and foundinbooks.wordpress.com (I should pass along a general disclaimer to the content of these two webpages.  They are not related to the Library and not guaranteed for all audiences. They are amusing though ... )