We can hope some valid reason will come to light: a statement against the industry, critique of a given genre or uncontainable disapproval of the success of that hack, J.K. Rowling. Whatever the rationale, thousands of dollars' worth of books at two Ohio libraries have been thrown out after they were found soaked in urine.

Investigators say the problem started quietly about two years ago at Portage County's Aurora Memorial Library. Every now and again since then, librarians there would come across a few peed-on books. Since January, 13 miles away in Chester County, staff at Geauga West Library have been coming across urine-tainted tomes of their own.

"It's appalling and disgusting," said Geauga West Manager Linda Yanko. It's also a mystery. Police have found no pattern to, or reasoning for, the vandalism. They're even hesitant to say both libraries are being soiled by the same offender. All they know for certain is that urine-stained books keep turning up. Police in both counties are working together to restore order.

» Scott Saxon