Bear Hugs Hotelie Returns Library Book—Half a Century After He Borrowed It Better late than never, a master’s alum mailed a beloved work of philosophy back to his alma mater “Bear Hugs” celebrates heartwarming stories of Cornellians on the Hill and around the world. Have an idea? Email us at cornellians@cornell.edu! Editor’s note: This story was adapted from a feature on the University Library website. By Danica Fisher When a well-preserved library book arrived in the mail at the Cornell University Library this year, it came with a remarkable distinction: it had been due back in the 1970s. The volume, In Spite of: A Philosophy for Everyman by John Cowper Powys, had accompanied its borrower through decades of life, travel, and reflection before finally making its way home. The borrower was Hank Webb, MPS ’74, a retired U.S. diplomat whose long career took him around the world—but never far from the lessons he first encountered as a Cornell student. For the Hotelie, the book’s return was more than the resolution of a very overdue checkout; it was an opportunity to reflect on the enduring influence of a volume that helped shape his outlook on life. Says Webb: “Simply stated, the book has been a guiding North Star since first reading it at Cornell in 1973.” Webb borrowed the book as a master’s student. Its themes, which explore the challenges and complexities of everyday life and human nature, resonated deeply with Webb as a student and continued to guide him throughout his life. “The world has certainly changed tremendously since the first printing in 1953,” he says, “but people mostly remain the same.” Simply stated, the book has been a guiding North Star since first reading it at Cornell in 1973. Hank Webb, MPS ’74 Among the lessons he carried was the idea that maintaining calm in the face of life’s uncertainties and interactions with others is one of the most powerful paths to happiness. “The chapter ‘In Spite of Other People’ taught me that calm is a superpower, preventing stress from stealing my happiness,” Webb says. “In my humble opinion, the grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for.” The book’s title page … … and its old-school bookplate and due-date stamps. Andy Horbal, the library’s director of access services, notes that the return is not entirely unprecedented. “We receive long overdue materials in the mail once or twice a month, so this kind of event is not quite as uncommon as people might think,” Horbal says. “Although, of course, they aren’t usually quite this overdue.” We receive long overdue materials in the mail once or twice a month, so this kind of event is not quite as uncommon as people might think—although, of course, they aren’t usually quite this overdue. Andy Horbal, director of access services The library eliminated overdue fines in July 2021—a change intended to reduce barriers and create a more equitable experience for patrons while simplifying workflows. But whether a book is weeks, months, or decades overdue, employees are always pleased to see materials returned. “The great thing about books,” Horbal says, “is that they never go bad.” (All images provided.) Published August 7, 2026 Comments Ed Swierk, Class of 1994 12 Aug, 2026 Find the full text at archive.org: https://archive.org/details/inspiteofaphilos029180mbp Reply Brad Preston, Class of 1973 13 Aug, 2026 It’s too bad nobody else could benefit from the book’s wisdom for the last 55 years. Reply Ian Allen 14 Aug, 2026 I bet the good people at the library replaced it decades ago. (I just checked the catalog online. It appears thee are two copies of this book in Olin Library. And now I want to read this book!) Reply Eric Ford, Class of 1987 16 Aug, 2026 What were the late fees? My mom had to pay like $300 in parking fees to pick-up my diploma. Still hear about it to this day. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Campus & Beyond ‘Dump & Run’ Prep: Four Months, 3,000 Hours, and 10,000 Items Ask the Expert Clueless About Watching Football? Pro Alum Will Help You Fake it Quizzes & Puzzles Cornellian Crossword: ‘Far Beyond Cayuga’s Waters’