Man returns library book with handwritten apology note after 49 years
The book was taken out in 1967 by a man in his freshman year at university
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.We all know modern life can get on top of you occasionally, meaning we struggle to get around to those little jobs that have been on the backburner for a while, whether that's fixing that creaky door, clearing out your wardrobe – or walking down the street to return a library book.
One man, however, has taken this shirking of responsibilities to new levels, after he returned a library book 49 years late.
James Phillips, a former student of the University of Dayton, Ohio, found the book in a box at his home.
He returned the book to the library along with a handwritten note apologising for having the book so long and not bringing it back sooner.
The book, History of the Crusades, was taken out during the first year Mr Phillips attended the university, in 1967.
According to the university library, Mr Phillips would have owed £247 in fines, after charges of of around 1.4 pence per day.
But the university decided to waive the fee.
The note returned with the book read: “Please accept my apologies for the absence of the enclosed book, History of the Crusades.
“I apparently checked it out when I was a freshman student and somehow it got misplaced all these years.”
Another mystery reader returned The Real Book About Snakes 41 years late to the Champaign County Library in Ohio. The reader even enclosed a fine of $299.30 with the note.
“Sorry I’ve kept this book so long, but I’m a really slow reader!”
The longest overdue book was previously thought to be Law of Nations, borrowed by George Washington. After taking it out just months into his presidency, it was kept in his home in Virginia for 21 years.
The book was returned to The New York Society Library in 2011 and racked up a $300,000 fee, which was also waived.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments