Overdue book returned to British Columbia library after 43 years

A library book was returned to a facility in British Columbia earlier this month, 43 years after it was due back. UPI reported that workers at the Greater Victoria Public Library discovered the long overdue tome while sifting through returned items. [1]

The book is a copy of the 1978 novel War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk. According to UPI, the item stood out because it was dusty, had a cracked spine, and did not have a barcode. A paper check out card remaining inside showed that the book was due back at the Oak Bay branch on September 1, 1983. [1]

British Columbia is the westernmost province of Canada, and its capital city is Victoria. UPI noted that the book was returned without any accompanying note or explanation for the 43 year delay. Librarians stated that borrowing records are regularly purged, making it unclear who had checked out the item. [1][2]