Ex-student returns overdue books to AZ school library after 51 years, gives $1,000 for fines

Associated Press

Last update: November 14, 2009 - 1:17 PM

PHOENIX - A high school librarian in Phoenix says a former student at the school returned two overdue books checked out 51 years ago along with a $1,000 money order to cover the fines.

Camelback High School librarian Georgette Bordine says the two Audubon Society books checked out in 1959 and the money order were sent by someone who wanted to remain anonymous.

Bordine says the letter explained that the borrower's family moved to another state and the books were mistakenly packed.

The letter said the money order was to cover fines of 2 cents per day for each book. That would total about $745. The letter says the extra money was added in case the rates had changed.

Bordine says the money will buy more books, and the overdue books will be returned to the shelves.

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Information from: KPHO-TV, http://www.kpho.com

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World/nation briefs - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is accused of breaking ethics laws by using taxpayer money for pricey airline seats, taking state planes for personal and political trips and occasionally tapping his campaign chest to reimburse himself for travel. The Republican has been under scrutiny since he vanished for five days over the summer, reappearing to admit to an extramarital affair. The civil charges, which carry a maximum $74,000 in fines, stem from a three-month inquiry by the State Ethics Commission. Sanford's attorney characterized the allegations as "technical questions." More