By Carol Anders Correpondent
Patrons of the Bourbon Library will now have an opportunity to check out the book “The Passerby.”
The library did not have a copy until last week since a decision was made by a former employee of the library not to purchase the novel.

The matter first came to light when patrons of the library contacted book stores in Plymouth and Warsaw asking how they could get a copy. A number of comments were also posted on the Duffbert’s Random Musings blogsite referring to the novel not being allowed in the library.
The library was given a copy of the book that is now in circulation. Librarian Denise Heckaman said the library received the book at 4 p.m. Thursday. She said the book was cataloged for circulation on Saturday.
 According to Bourbon Library Board President Larry Manhardt, a second copy was delivered to the library March 24.
Manhardt said, “I did not know the book was even discussed until recently. The decision not to have the book was made wrongly.”
He added, “This is a first amendment right.”
He indicated that the book topic had troubled some people.
The novel describes the physical characteristics of some that long-time residents in the town of Argos and surrounding communities could possibly identify in real life. Manhardt suggested that the original decision not to have the book in the Bourbon Library could have been based on friendships.
“This is public library. The decision cannot be based on friendships,” Manhardt said.
The fictitious mystery novel written by Thomas Crowel is based on the murder of an 11-year-old child, Brandie Peltz, in the Argos area in 1986. Crowel and his publicist Patty Gillham spent approximately two-and-a-half years investigating the circumstances of the actual murder after Crowel noticed the headstone of the child in the cemetery.
In earlier Pilot News reports, Crowel said he interviewed people from all over the town in hopes of finding answers to the unknown circumstances that he contends were never fully investigated.
Tuesday, Crowel said, “I’m glad it’s (Bourbon Library matter) resolved. I’m glad they have the book.”
The Indiana State Police are asking for the public’s help in this case.  Anyone with information is urged to call Indiana State Police Detective Tom Littlefield at 574-546-4900.