Woman returns book to Auckland library after 67 years but escapes $24,600 fine

A woman, who was issued a book from a New Zealand library in her childhood, returned it to its rightful place only after 67 years. But she escaped a late fine of NZ$24,605 (£11,755, $17,176).

The woman had checked out Myths and Legends of Maoriland by AW Reed in 1948 from Auckland library. She returned the book 24,605 days past its due date and asked the librarian how much she owed as late fine, The Guardian reported.

The surprised librarian told her that she would not incur any late fees as she checked out the book as a child, and, as per library's policies, children are not charged late fines.

"She seemed a bit embarrassed but I was pleased because she said she had read and enjoyed the book many times over the decades and that made me happy — that the book had been in a good home and loved," librarian Zoe Cornelius was quoted by the paper as saying.

The woman did not give her name but told the librarian she lives outside of Auckland and was in town to meet family and to return the book.

Cornelius added that the book would be added to the library's special collections section. Auckland library holds three copies of Myths and Legends of Maoriland, the newspaper wrote, adding that none of the copies are allowed to leave the library.

According to the original checkout slip on the back of the returned book, late penalty for overdue books were 3 cents for the first week, following which one cent was charged for each day until the book was returned to the library.