A library in Central Ostrobothnia has expressed fury after discovering damaged historical materials. Staff at Kaustinen library found returned newspapers with pages cut out by scissors.
The library stated clearly that library materials must never be altered. The damaged items included irreplaceable old volumes of the Perhonjokilaakso newspaper.
A customer returned the publications on Wednesday with pages removed. Library officials noted these materials from over thirty years ago cannot be replaced.
Such historical documents matter greatly for local history researchers and genealogy enthusiasts. These works remain available to the public only through library access.
Part of our local history has been cut away for just one person's viewing, the library wrote. That story will never open up to others now.
The destruction appears particularly unnecessary because the library offers copying services. Patrons can obtain copies for 0.50 euros per page.
Visitors may also photograph or scan materials for personal use.
The situation is getting out of hand, the library warned. Several similar incidents have emerged recently.
Library staff always check returned materials, but they are now watching with extra care.
This destruction highlights the vulnerability of shared cultural heritage. When individuals damage historical materials, they permanently erase pieces of community memory that belong to everyone.