Mystery customer returns overdue book from 1979 to Deschutes Public Library, Oregon after 44 years

Better late than never: Staff shocked after anonymous customer returns a VERY overdue library book after 44 years – ‘It’s like a literary time capsule’

  • US library received an anonymous package
  • It had a book that was checked out in 1979 

An old children’s book has made its way back to its home almost 50 years after it was checked out of a library.

A package was sent to Deschutes Public Library in Oregon containing a very overdue book from 1974, a $20 donation and a ‘sweet’ note apologising for not having returned it sooner.

The book, titled ‘The Hocket Trick’, was borrowed by an unknown customer on April 25 1979 according to the stamped checkout card in a pocket on the first page. 

Deschutes library thankfully doesn’t charge for late returns but the anonymous book lover donated $20 for their troubles.

Staff said receiving the package was like getting a ‘literary time capsule’ and shared the return online as a reminder to ‘gather up’ any late items that may be lying around the house.   

A US library received a package in the mail containing an old book that was checked out in 1979 and an apology note for the 44-year late return

The book, titled 'The Hocket Trick', was borrowed by an unknown customer on April 25 1979 according to the stamped checkout card in a pocket on the first page

The book, titled ‘The Hocket Trick’, was borrowed by an unknown customer on April 25 1979 according to the stamped checkout card in a pocket on the first page

The librarians were amazed when they received a plain anonymous package and pulled out the vintage book along with a heartfelt apology note and a donation. 

‘To whom it may concern, Many apologies. This book was probably due in the late 1970s. Please accept this token of apology,’ the note inside read.

‘P.S. We might’ve already paid for the book, but out this check to good use.’ 

The team posted the find to Facebook in celebration of ‘National Return Borrowed Books Week’.

‘We received a package that included this 1974 copy of The Hockey Trick along with a sweet note, explaining that the book had been checked out roughly 45 years ago. It was like getting a literary time capsule!’ they wrote in a post.

Deschutes library thankfully doesn't charge for late returns but the anonymous book lover write a 'sweet' note and donated $20 for their troubles

Deschutes library thankfully doesn’t charge for late returns but the anonymous book lover write a ‘sweet’ note and donated $20 for their troubles

‘And remember: we do not charge late fees on books (though there is a replacement fee for lost items), so now would be a good time to gather up any late items and send them back our way.’ 

Deschutes Library Operations Manager Mayra Corn told Inside Edition the unexpected return has been a ‘great opportunity to share a feel-good story with the public’. 

‘Any time we can remind the public about all the ways libraries make a difference – it’s a great thing!’ she said.

Mayra said The Hockey Game will go display in the library’s administrative offices to serve as ‘a reminder that it’s never to late too get something off your chest – or in the mail’.   

The story delighted bookworms from all over the world online with one saying: ‘Better late than never!’.  

‘Bet their mum is happy they finally cleaned their room,’ joked another. 

‘Wonder if it a collector’s item by now,’ asked a third.