Librarian discovers cash inside book returned 53 years late

A librarian has discovered cash inside a book returned 53 years late.

The librarian of Paisley Central Library received the late copy of Mrs Balbir Singh’s Indian Cookery in the post, accompanied by a note apologising for the lateness, and a crisp £20 note.

The book was originally loaned out in 1968 but lending records from that time are no longer available so the patron remains anonymous.

The letter inside the package said: “Please accept my apologies for the late return of this book. Enclosed is a token payment in recognition of this oversight. Thank you.”

Renfrewshire Libraries is not currently fining patrons for overdue books so the £20 will be donated to a charity.

Linda Flynn, Paisley Central Library team supervisor, said: “I was more than a little surprised when I opened the padded envelope and saw what was inside.

“It’s rare to have a book returned after being overdue for so many years.

“I suspect the book had been lying in a cupboard or a drawer for some time and was only recently discovered.

“It was a lovely gesture from whoever found the book to take the time to send it back with a £20 note as a token gesture for it being so long overdue.

“We’ll make sure the money goes to a good cause.”