Better late than never, right? In a bizarre story, someone returned a book to a Southern California public library just shy of 46 years overdue.
I mean, I know some slow readers, but that's a long time.
More from Fox 5 in San Diego:
In early January, the La Mesa branch of the San Diego County Library received a book that was long overdue…by more than four decades.
'It was me, so I got to open it and enjoy the old book smell, which was quite powerful in this particular item,' said branch manager Cassie Koldewyn. 'They sent it back to the right branch, even though we're at a new address, so they clearly did some research to get it back to us.'
Well… um… OK, then. Thanks for the commentary on the potency of the "old book smell" there, Cassie.
(The stereotype is true. Librarians are weird.)
Anyway…
The library's staff was stumped as to who returned the book.
The book, 'The Incredible Journey,' arrived anonymously in the mail with no return address. Inside was a short note that read: 'Sorry this is so late.'
Only by a few decades. Don't beat yourself up over it.
I'm just wondering how long it was before they lost the record of who checked the book out.
If you're wondering about the hundreds of thousands of dollars that must've been racked up in late fees, you'll be disappointed.
'There's no late fine if you leave it a little long,' Koldewyn said. 'At some point, we might say you have to pay for the book if it's lost.'
"A little long" is certainly one way to put it. The library claims to be willing to waive any penalties.
'Please come back to the library. If you're in town, come say hi,' Koldewyn said. 'Let us know this was your item. We'd love to reminisce and hear what you thought about "The Incredible Journey."'
Riiiiight.
Don't fall for it. They could have a fine the size of the national debt waiting for you.
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