Man Returns Library Book After 41 years With $299 Fine and Apology Letter

A man has returned a book he borrowed from a library in Ohio - after 41 years.

The self-confessed slow reader not only returned the book last week, but also handed over a fine of $299 (£194.67) in cash along with a hand-written apology letter.

The leader reads: "To Champaign County Library:Sorry I've kept this book 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."

According to director of the library Ty Henderson, the book, The Real Book About Snakes, was supposed to be returned to the library on 17 July 1972.

Speaking to WDTN, Henderson said he was impressed with the man's honesty.

"41 years to the day, we got the checkout stamp on the inside cover due July 17, 1972 and so he included 2 cents per day overdue fine payment," said the librarian.

"He didn't, like, ust return it and not pay, he paid the money. That's awesome. That's honesty. He didn't throw it to the wind and say 'oh it's 41 years, they're not going to know'".

Henderson added that the money will be used for the advancement of the library in the city of Urbana - but the fine is just a drop in the ocean compared to the total amount owed in late fines by people.

According to Henderson, the fines amount to $280,935 (£182912) and some change.

"A lot of times when books aren't returned, we end up needing to replace those over the years," he said.

"It's never too late to bring your items back to the library."