Overdue Book Mysteriously Returned to Library—51 Years Later!
Someone in North Dakota just did the most extreme case of “better late than never”—returning a library book 51 years past its due date!
The Enderlin Municipal Library recently received a mysterious package with no return address. Inside? A well-worn copy of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, looking like it had lived through a few decades of secrets.
Librarian was baffled at first, unsure if the book even belonged to the library. Without a barcode or modern markings, it took a minute to realize this wasn’t just some random piece of mail—it was a long-overdue library book, last checked out on October 6, 1973.
The Price of Procrastination? $1,878.30!
Had the library still been charging late fees, the book’s 18,783-day absence would have racked up a $1,878.30 fine (at the old rate of $0.10 per day). But luckily for this mystery book returner, the library just eliminated late fees last month—talk about perfect timing!
To top it off, the anonymous borrower included a $20 bill with the return. Whether that was a guilt offering or just a nice gesture, the librarian joked that, technically, they now owe the sender $20 instead!
Whoever this library patron is, you are appreciated, and you just gave the Library in Enderlin and everyone a fantastic story to tell!
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