Man returns book he borrowed from library 72 years past due date

17:02 - 25 February 2016

Add Pulse as a preferred source on Google

Man returns an overdue library book 72 years later, after his daughter discovered it in his house.

Frank Ryan, 84, a former New Jersey mayor, finally returned the book "Football Through the Years" to Bound Brook Memorial Library in a special ceremony.

The book was found by Ryan's daughter Karen in a large barrel in their attic in December, shortly after Ryan's wife died. UPI News reported.

"We always wondered what was in that barrel in the attic," Karen Ryan told MyCentralJersey.com.

"Who knew it was an overdue library book?"

Ryan didn't return the book until February because he feared he'd be thrown in jail.

"I knew it didn't make sense, but that was my first thought," he said. "I didn't know what was going to happen. I'm ready now to return it."

The ceremony was attended by Karen, the mayor, the police, library staffs and member of the audience.

The book was finally returned to the library in "excellent" condition and Local History Librarian Mary Nelson said they were happy to place it in their archives.