The Carnegie Library in Ayr was quite adamant they’d give no square when collecting fines for overdue books.
But this one has fallen through their tight grip so long, the man who hase got it has been let off.
It was loaned by the Carnegie on November 12, 1934 and never returned.
“Peg the Rake” is bound in black leather and written by the prolific authoress “Rita” in 1893 - the same year Ayr’s grand library opened.
Retired languages teacher Jim MacLeod has been told to keep it - and thanked for his honesty.
Given he’s lived most of his life in Manchester, he reckons there must be a connection to the Maybole side of his family.
Jim, originally from Maryhill, said: “I came across it in my study and had no idea what is was or how it came to be there.
“I have hundreds of books, and obviously I didn’t steal this one. I am assuming it must be from my mum’s side in Maybole.”
The Carnegie strip on the book states: “A fine of one penny will be stringently exacted for each week the Book is kept beyond the time allowed.”
That means Jim now owes 4,425 pennies.
He added: “The library has been very good.
“I will make sure it is now kept in pride of place.”
