An Ernest Hemingway classic has been returned to a local library 56 years late.
The copy of Hemingway’s 1926 classic ‘The Sun Also Rises’ was returned with a cheque to cover the cost of the book.
It was taken out in 1969 when Richard Nixon was American President and Elvis Presley was in the charts.
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The tome was sent to Greenwich Library in Connecticut, US, with a handwritten note.
The book borrower said: “I was born and raised in Greenwich, my family moved to upstate New York in 1980.
“I was recently going through some old boxes and found this book.
“I re-read it and am now returning it – 56 years late.
“I am enclosing a cheque that I hope will cover the cost of replacing the book.”
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A library spokesperson said: “Is this the most overdue book of all time?
“Fifty-six years overdue, we just received this copy of Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises!”
They added: “Luckily we no longer have overdue fines.
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“Thanks to the former patron that mailed this book to us, including a cheque to replace it with a newer copy.”
A video of the returned book has gone viral on Instagram with over 5,000 views, as reported by What’s The Jam.
One local said: “Nice, collectible.”
Another added: “You have to frame that note.”

American author Sam G Woodruff remarked: “Love this so much!”
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