Italian library crack down

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Senate library is getting tough on forgetful lawmakers demanding they return books on Adolf Hitler and other subjects that are up to 25 years overdue.


In letters and calls to the absent-minded bibliophiles, including a former senate president, the library recently issued a gentle plea for the safe return of books on everything from French philosophy to Italian law.


"With a letter or a phone call, we say: Attention. A certain period has passed, so please return them in a good will gesture to the library," a library official said, explaining the campaign to reclaim the literature.


Leading Italian daily Corriere della Sera added to the effort, weighing in with a front page story on Thursday, and inside the first section listing some of the overdue books -- and the corresponding unscrupulous lawmakers.


One of the titles, Corriere said, included a book on Adolf Hitler's life checked out in 1995. The oldest title was checked out in 1977.


But senators, it seems, pay no late fees.