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Can I “lose” a library book in order to keep it? What is my owndershi

Question:

There is a book that I’d like to buy, but it is out of print and I can’t find it anywhere for a reasonable price. I see that the public library has a copy. Can I neglect to return it and then pay whatever the lost book fee is? Just wondering what the halachic take on this would be. Thank you!

And another library question–while I have the book, can I mail it to a relative to read and then they will mail it back and I’ll return it to my local branch?

Answer:

One is not allowed to steal from a non Jew so therefore the book should be returned, Since you are permitted to lend the book to a friend so to you can mail it to him as long as it is returned to the library.

Sources:

CH:M 348:2 Be’er Hagolah 5

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