Overdue Library Book Returned 41 Years Later, Fees Included

An overdue library book was returned to an Ohio library 41 years after it disappeared.

The individual who checked out author Jane Sherman’s book The Real Book About Snakes ultimately failed to return the tome to the western Ohio library several decades ago. However, this didn’t stop the person from shipping it back once the mistake had been uncovered.

The Associated Press reports that the overdue book was supposed to be returned on July 17, 1972. Over 41 years later, the person decided to make amends for the error by including a letter of explanation and a wad of cash to cover any overdue fees the library’s patron may have accrued.

The note included an apology for keeping The Real Book About Snakes for several decades. The individual also stuffed $299.30 in cash inside the package. This covers the overdue fees, which the person calculated as two cents per day.

“Sorry I’ve kept this book for so long, but I’m a really slow reader! I’ve enclosed my fine of $299.30 (41 years, 2 cents a day). Once again, my apologies,” the note explained.

According to the Dayton Daily News, the overdue book was returned anonymously. The Champaign County Library shared the unusual news with their patrons on Facebook.

“It’s never too late to return those overdue items,” a representative for the library explained.

The Daily Mail reports that this isn’t the only seriously overdue book that has been returned this year. David Black checked out a book on Spanish artist Goya at an Edinburgh library way back in the year that was 1962. Nearly 50 years later, the man decided to return to the book.

“When I read about the fines amnesty I decided that I must do it, once and for all, if only to see the librarian’s face. It feels good to have finally returned it after all these years,” Black explained.

What do you think about the overdue library book being returned over 40 years later?

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