Library jokes 'snacks are not available for checkout' and urges visitors to follow safety rules

A bear spotted inside the Mono County Library in California. [Social media]
A bear spotted inside the Mono County Library in California. [Social media]

A real bear wandered into a US library on the exact day marking the 100th anniversary of the publication of "Winnie-the-Pooh."

According to the Mono County Library in California, a wild black bear broke into the library's Mammoth Lakes branch on Thursday (local time).

The bear entered at around 6:10 a.m. — well before the library's 10 a.m. opening — and headed straight for the staff snack area, where it helped itself to peanut butter, peaches and a Dubai Chewy Cookie before draining an entire jar of honey. After filling up, it toured the premises, browsing the new-arrivals display and checking out the reference desk, then pushed open the door and ambled away, apparently satisfied.

A bear spotted inside the Mono County Library in California. [Social media]
A bear spotted inside the Mono County Library in California. [Social media]

Library staff said no shelves were toppled and no books were damaged during the bear's visit, adding that "the honey jar has yet to be returned."

Mono County Library Director Joseph Bob offered a wry comment: "We love our enthusiastic patrons and understand the excitement of the 100th anniversary, but we want to remind everyone that snacks are not available for checkout."

He also invited residents to visit the library and borrow books — including "Winnie-the-Pooh" — to mark the centennial, but said the invitation "applies to humans only." The library added that while the Winnie-the-Pooh character is beloved, bears are wild animals, and urged the public not to approach or feed them and to follow safety guidelines.

A.A. Milne's "Winnie-the-Pooh" was first published on Oct. 14, 1926, exactly 100 years ago.


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