One anonymous reading fan reportedly kept a book for 41 years before returning it to the library.

Ever returned a library book late?

An anonymous individual recently decided to bring a book back to their local library, 41 years after taking it out.

Workers at the Champaign County library were surprised to find the reading material called ‘The Real Book About Snakes’ had been brought back by an unknown person.

The fines had been paid and the book was intact. A handwritten note was also present inside the book which read “Sorry I've kept this book so long, but I'm a really slow reader! “

Cash was also enclosed amounting to $299.30. The book was originally due back on July 17, 1972. The reader calculated the nearly $300 fine by multiplying 2 cents per day times the overdue duration of 41 years.

The library director, Ty Henderson is thrilled, hoping the anonymous person will set an example for other readers who are overdue on returns.

The snake book came from the juvenile section, so its believed the reader was a child when it was borrowed. The library will reportedly use the money to buy additional children’s nonfiction material.