Delta Air Lines Pilot Capt. Ben Sends Children’s Book Back to Johnson County Library in Shawnee, Kansas

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Shawnee Branch of Johnson County Library Receives Heartwarming Package from Delta Air Lines Pilot

Shawnee, Kan. – The Johnson County Library in Shawnee recently received a package that stood out among the usual deliveries of books. What made this package special was the kindness behind it.

The package, which arrived on October 30, not only contained a book but also a heartwarming letter written by a Delta Air Lines pilot. The sender, identified only as Capt. Ben, explained in his letter that he had found a children’s book at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport while commuting home to Florida. Intrigued by the library barcode on the book, Ben decided to send it back to the library via mail.

In his letter, Capt. Ben even offered to pay for any late fees that may have been incurred during the book’s journey. “I do not feel anybody should ever be penalized for enriching their life with a book,” the pilot wrote.

Branch manager Anna Madrigal expressed her appreciation for the thoughtful gesture, stating, “It connects exactly to the kind of thing that we want to help build in our community. It’s just a really cool relationship piece that a stranger decided to do that. I’m going to remember this for quite a while.”

Fortunately, the book was not overdue, so there were no late fees to be paid. Additionally, the Johnson County Library had already eliminated late fees earlier this year and forgave any unpaid fines. This policy change reflects the library’s commitment to making reading accessible to all members of the community.

Capt. Ben went above and beyond by including Delta pilot wings and trading cards for kids in the package. The library took to Facebook to express their gratitude, writing, “Ben, if you see this, we think you’re pretty awesome. Come say hello if you ever find yourself in our neck of the woods!”

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. It also highlights the importance of libraries as spaces that foster connections and enrich lives through literature.

As the Shawnee branch continues to serve its community, it encourages others to follow in Capt. Ben’s footsteps and spread acts of kindness. Whether it’s returning a borrowed book or performing random acts of generosity, these small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s day.

In a world that often feels divided, it’s heartwarming stories like these that remind us of the goodness that exists within humanity. The Johnson County Library and its patrons are grateful for the thoughtfulness of Capt. Ben and hope that his act of kindness inspires others to pay it forward..