I have an overdue library book. It has been overdue for 33 years. Should I return it?

It is a book on Daniel Boone that I checked out in April 1977. I never did finish it, either. I have been thinking of waiting until the library has a "free overdue book day" so I won't have to pay. I owe over $500 in overdue fees at the 1977 rate, so I probably owe much more in today's money. Maybe I should finally finish it before I take it back. Then again, a week after I checked it out, my town had a massive flood and the library lost everything it had. So, they have it on record as being destroyed. They got federal and state money to replace the books plus my parents gave a $10 donation after the flood. So, am I legally bound to give it back and pay the fine?

2010-04-19T08:16:34Z

Actually, I have donated many books to them over the years and even did a book signing there for one of my books that i had published.

2010-04-19T10:41:35Z

LoL Bonnie, I'm not living with my parents. What made you think that? I've been married for 16 years. I was 12 when I checked the book out.

2010-04-19T10:44:41Z

Nikki, yeah I'm glad i gave you a smile. That's really why I asked the question. I have no fear of the library cops coming to get me. The funny thing is i live only a block from the library, I can see it from my house. I have an author support group that meets there every month.

2010-04-19T10:46:47Z

I was wondering what the world record was for a overdue book. I just read this morning that George Washington borrowed a book from a library 200 years ago and never returned it. There goes the record. LOL!

Nikki FM2010-04-19T10:21:46Z

Favorite Answer

I wouldn't even bother with it after all this time, especially after the flood and all. I just wanted to say that your question made my day. I checked out a book when I was in 4th grade (I'm 24 now!) and still have it too! AND I never read it. I'm so glad I'm not alone! :)

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?2010-04-19T15:06:11Z

Keep it i wouldnt take it back unless they call you and ask for it, otherwise when you take it back and they realise its been that long at the amout you owe can you fork out for this if it comes to it?? if they wanted there book, or their money for that matter they would have called you for it or sent you letters recently or made you aware of it in some way, keep it and if they ask you for it deny all knowledge say you returned it and it must have got lost in the flood lol, it will probably be new staff who run the place

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Adam M2010-04-19T15:05:42Z

Just walk in leave it on the desk and say yeah this might be yours then walk out.
they will all have a laugh and fun finding out that it is 33 years overdue and put it back on the shelf.

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Wire Tapped2010-04-19T15:05:30Z

Read the book, then give it back to the library. If you can't read it before the amnesty date, then just take the book back and read it in the library by visiting when you have time.

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the mighty Quinn2010-04-19T16:07:14Z

library fines do not go higher than the price of the book - and you, a 45 year old man (although still living with your aging parents) should be able to figure that out ;-)

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