Man returns library book 63 years later, avoids fines

GUNTERSVILLE, AL -- Librarians in Alabama told a man he will not have to pay overdue fines after he returned a book 63 years late.

Bobby Rice checked out "Lydia Bailey" in 1952 from the library of the then Marshall County High School, WAFF-TV reports, a book he says "was a fantastic book best I can remember."

Unfortunately, Rice didn't remember he even had the book until he discovered it earlier this month.

The former teacher returned the book to the now Guntersville High School, where the current librarian wasn't even alive at the time Rice checked out the book.

Librarian Elishaba Larson calculated Rice would have owed approximately $1,500 for the book, which she says is probably a first edition.

Rice says he was grateful to have his fines erased, but had an excuse ready just in case.

"I just kidded with her. I said I am just a slow reader," Rice said.