People trying to return library books Monday at the Julia Ideson Branch found they couldn’t.

“They closed the library because of this theft. I don’t know what to think about it,” said Marty Dolan a library patron.

It’s the latest chapter in the city’s copper wire theft saga.

Someone took the copper wiring from the back-up generator at the Central Library overnight.

That cut power there and at the Ideson building next door.

Both were closed Monday.

“Customers, you and I, citizens, lost a day not using the facilities,” said Issa Dadoush. He’s with Houston Greater Services.

And it was revealed that the city lost even more.

In the past two years copper thieves have hit five city buildings.

Sunnyside Health Center, the Dixon and Smith Libraries, the Kashmere Multi-Service Center and now the generator at the Central Library.

The grand total in repairs stands at $150,000.

We ultimately pay the price.

“We all pay for it. It’s money that’s taken away from something else,” said Dadoush.

And it doesn’t end with the city.

Last week, copper was stolen from air conditioning units at Hester House and Atherton Elementary.

That prompted Mayor Bill White to get involved. “I’ll put up $10,000 on anyone who has a lead resulting in the arrest for the copper theft.”

You can be police will throw the book at suspects, if they’re caught.

“We are working very, very hard to have this building up and running by tomorrow morning,” said Dadoush.

That’s when everyone can return, including those with overdue books, back to the library.