FRANKLIN, TN — A routine inventory of the Fellowship Bible Church library has revealed 14 volumes checked out between 1988 and 1993 that have not been returned, including three copies of a Max Lucado title and a concordance last signed out by a man who has since served two terms as a deacon.

The discovery was made by Carolyn Hatch, 67, who volunteered to “straighten up the shelves a little” during a slow Wednesday and emerged four hours later with a legal pad, a laminated checkout card, and what she described as a burden.

“Gerald Simmons has had The Purpose Driven Life since March of 2003,” Hatch said, consulting her notes. “He sat three pews in front of me last Sunday. He shook my hand at the door.”

“We are not saying these are bad people. We are saying the books deserve to come home.” — Carolyn Hatch, 67, library volunteer

Head pastor David Cleary, 54, confirmed the church has no formal overdue policy, as the library was established in 1986 on what the founding committee called “the honor system.” The honor system has not been revisited since.

Hatch has prepared a handwritten list of all 14 borrowers and is considering “a gentle announcement” in the bulletin, pending approval from the communications committee, which meets quarterly. The next meeting is in May.

At press time, Gerald Simmons had noticed Hatch looking at him during the offertory and had begun to sweat.