The branch manager for the Casa De Saudade Library in New Bedford has been charged with using the library cards of three dead people to steal nearly 300 library books.  New Bedford Police say that 57 year old Judith Downey hatched the scheme after maxing out her library account...and even used the card of her own mother, who is still alive.

Most of the books have since been returned to the library over the course of a few trips during the past few weeks. Police were at the library investigating the book theft, when Judith Downey arrived carrying several large bags containing dozens of books. When the police asked her, she admitted to the thefts, then led police to her home where over 50 more books were returned. The total value of the stolen books is more than $6,000. Police say Downey was hoarding the books in her home and work office for the past few years.

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107