Book Returned To Library 40y Late Nets Just 4 GBP Fine

Story ByLee Bullen,Sub EditorJoseph Golder,AgencyCentral European News

A book has been returned to a Dutch library nearly 40 years after it was taken out – amassing a fine of over 1,300 GBP if not for a maximum cap of 4 GBP.

The book was returned to the Gelderland Zuid Library in the town of Groesbeek in the Dutch province of Gelderland.

The library included a photo of the book’s card showing it was taken out in 1981 alongside the message: “Sometimes as a library employee it is hard to believe your own eyes.

“This book was returned today, 39 years, 13 weeks and five days late!

“It must have been hard for the reader to let go!”

The book was a copy of ‘Terugnaar Oegstgeest’ (‘Return to Oegstgeest’), a 1965 autobiographical novel by Jan Wolkers.

It should have been returned on 5th March 1981, and the person in question said they found it in their attic.

According to local media, the library has moved location three times since the book was taken out nearly four decades ago.

A library worker said: “He really made an effort to find the right address and return the book. The address on the card is out of date by 35 years.”

The library also said that, if not for a maximum cap of 5 EUR (4.5 GBP), the fine would have amounted to 1,530.75 EUR (1,373 GBP).

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