**SHOCKING CASE OF EXTREME BOOK LONGEVITY ROCKS UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA**
Vancouver, BC – In a bizarre incident that has left the University of British Columbia community stunned, a former student has returned a book to the school that he had borrowed a staggering 64 years ago.
According to sources, the book, a dusty old tome titled “The History of Botany,” was checked out by 92-year-old UBC graduate, Harold P. Bottomsworth, on March 22, 1959. For decades, the book was presumed lost to the annals of time, but in a shocking turn of events, it reappeared on the doorstep of the UBC library, neatly wrapped in brown paper and twine.
“I was going through my grandfather’s attic and found this old book with a note that said ‘return to UBC library’,” said Bottomsworth’s nephew, who wished to remain anonymous. “I thought it was a joke at first, but then I saw the due date on the card and my jaw dropped. I mean, who holds onto a book for 64 years?”
The book, which was reportedly in remarkable condition considering its age, was returned to the library on Tuesday, complete with a handwritten note that read: “Sorry it’s taken so long. I’ve been busy.”
Librarians at UBC were flabbergasted by the return of the book, which had been presumed lost forever. “We’re just amazed that someone would hold onto a book for so long,” said UBC librarian, Karen W. Thompson. “I mean, we’ve had books returned with coffee stains, dog-eared pages, and even the occasional bookmark made of a used tissue. But 64 years? That’s just incredible.”
The book’s return has sparked a flurry of activity on social media, with many calling for Bottomsworth to be awarded a honorary degree for his dedication to… well, not exactly “library science,” but certainly for his commitment to holding onto a book for an extremely long time.
In related news, the UBC library has announced plans to establish a new section dedicated to “Extremely Long-Term Book Rentals,” with Bottomsworth’s book serving as the inaugural exhibit.
When asked for comment, Bottomsworth simply smiled and said, “I just didn’t want to get fined.”
