An employee at the Valparaiso branch of the Porter County Public Library made a shocking discovery this week after cracking open a donated book.
The book, which carries the title “Outerbridge Reach,” was hollowed out and contained a historic-looking handgun, according to Valparaiso police. 
“Somebody just opened it up and said, ‘Oh my,’ ” said Assistant Library Director Phyllis Nelson.
The weapon was described by police as a gold, wooden handle, A.S.M. brand, .31-caliber, single shot, black powder gun.
Nelson said she contacted police and told them the book had been donated to the library. Thousands of books are donated each month, she said, and records are not kept, so there is no way of knowing who dropped off the book or when, she said.
Police determined the gun had not been stolen and it is being held as evidence.
