University of Dayton receives library book that was 49 years overdue

By Julianne Smolyn 03/22/16 9:10pm

The University of Dayton’s library just got back a book that was 49 years overdue.

James Phillips, who checked out History of the Crusades in 1967, recently discovered the long lost book was still in his possession and sent it back to the the University of Dayton with an apologetic note.

In 1967, there was a two week borrowing period for books at the University of Dayton and a two cent charge for every day late. With the former policy, Phillips would owe around $350 for the books decades of tardiness.

Phillips said the reason for the book’s late return was that he left school to join the Marines soon after he checked out the book.

Since the book was taken out before modern technology, there is no record of the book’s existence in current library databases. The University of Dayton was happy to have such an honest former student and will not be charging Phillips the late fee.

According to the University of Dayton, the copy of History of the Crusades is set to return to the library shelves as soon as the library updates the historical history book to modern library technology.

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