60-Year-Old Library Return Comes with a Surprise

A young man confidently walked into the National Library in Jerusalem yesterday, astonishing the librarians with his unusual find: two volumes of old, faded history books. These books were borrowed by his grandmother, a researcher, for her doctoral studies 60 years ago.

The books, published in 1897, discuss the topic of the 'Kingdom of Phrygia,' which is part of present-day Anatolia. The library was known as the 'National Library' back then, and thanks to this stamp, the grandson knew exactly where to return them.

However, according to library policy, late returns incur a fine. Calculated at 1,560 shekels per year, our friend was looking at a fee of 93,600 shekels for being 60 years late.

So how was the fine settled? With a handshake, a smile, and thanks for the returned books. 'The books were returned in excellent condition,' said the library spokeswoman, Ms. Vered Lyon-Jerusalem. 'We are happy to receive books that were borrowed from the library even 90, 100, or 120 years ago.'