Many people borrow books to read at home, intending to return them within a week or even a few months in some cases. However, a book in the United States stayed away from its "original shelves" for a record period, being returned after 81 years.
According to United Press International, staff at a library in Washington state were surprised by the return of a book that had been checked out over eight decades ago. The employees of the "Aberdeen Timberland" library found themselves in a rare situation, as a book that was supposed to be returned by March 30, 1942, was finally back in their possession.
The book retained a card indicating the return date which the borrower had failed to adhere to, similar to many who borrow books and do not return them. The book, which has historical significance, was authored by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall.
The person who returned the book mentioned he found it in a family closet, while library staff noticed a phrase inside the cover: "I wouldn't read this book if they paid me." The library stated that if a late fee of two cents per day were applied based on the rates in effect in 1942, the total fine would amount to $484.
