Cambridge University library book returned 60 years late.

A library book has been returned to Cambridge University 60 years late!

Cultures and Societies of Africa had been borrowed from Cambridge University Library in the late 1950s, and a late return meant a hefty fine.

The fine, based on today’s rate of £1.50 a week, would have totalled almost £4,700, however the university promised to waive the fine in gratitude for finally returning the book.

It was returned to Gonville and Caius College by a former student on Wednesday and taken to the main university library.

In a tweet, the library wrote: “Better late than never”, adding “suffice to say we waived the fine. Must have been a great book – or a very slow reader?”

Even after 60 years the book was still listed on the library’s system as missing.

Since the book has now been returned, the cataloguing department will be putting it where it belongs- on the shelf.

Cultures and Societies Of Africa