Found paperback: The Midnight Library with teal cover
Description
I found a paperback copy of The Midnight Library this afternoon around 3:15 pm, lying on the sidewalk in front of the Iowa City Public Library's College Street entrance, near the bike racks. It's a mass-market edition with a teal cover, slightly worn corners, and a small coffee stain along the back edge. There's a blue ribbon bookmark sticking out between pages around 120-125, and the pages show a bit of dog-eared wear. It seems well-loved but not damaged; I think it must mean something to the person who owns it. If this rings a bell for you, I'd really like to help get it back to you.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.