A library book returned 73 years later could have cost £2,847 in overdue fees

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The book, Stately Timber by Rupert Hughes, was due to return to what was then known as Dunfermline Public Libraries’ Central Library in Abbot Street more than seven decades ago. “We had a book returned to our Rosyth branch after 14 years recently, which we thought was amazing enough, but this was way beyond anything we’ve heard of.” She added: “For a bit of fun we worked out how much could have been due in fees and it comes to a whopping £2,847. The Librarian is authorised to levy fines on readers who lose or damage books, or keep them beyond the time allowed.” open image in gallery Stately Timber by Rupert Hughes - an adventure story set in Boston, US - should have been returned to what was then Dunfermline Public Libraries' Central Library in Abbot Street on November 6, 194 Christine McLean, OnFife’s head of cultural heritage and wellbeing, said: “We’re thrilled to have received it - especially as this week is Book Week Scotland when we’re doing so much to promote our libraries - and we look forward to finding a special place to display the book, and the story of its journey, in our Local Studies section at DCL&G.” Despite its decades-late return, this book does not hold the Guinness World record for the most overdue library book. The record is held by a book returned to Sidney Sussex, University of Cambridge, that was borrowed in 1668 and given back 288 years later.