Woman Returns Library Book From 1948

This Woman Finally Returned a Late Library Book . . . That Was Due in 1948

9 May, 2018 by Nicole Yi First Published: 30 April, 2016

We've all been guilty of returning library books past their due dates, but one woman brought hers back 68 years later. Better late than never, right? The Epsom Community Library in Auckland, New Zealand, shared a photo of the book, Myths and Legends of Maoriland by A.W. Reed, on Facebook, saying that the woman checked it out as a kid in 1948 and accidentally took it with her when she moved.

A wonderful customer came to see us with a confession today! As a child she was a patron of Epsom Library until she...
Posted by Epsom Community Library on Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Because the book was in such great condition, the library decided to waive the late fee, despite being a "fair few years overdue." Otherwise, it would've cost her $7,300 NZD (inflation included) according to Yahoo New Zealand, or about or $5,095 USD.

Here we go! Here's the book borrowed in 1948, returned to Epsom Library TODAY! #rpt https://t.co/F9M71YQdeq pic.twitter.com/6uB9sZudIV

— Auckland Libraries (@Auckland_Libs) April 28, 2016

Fortunately, she was able to clear her guilty conscience and her name, debt-free!