2 Books Overdue For 33 Years Returned To LA Public Library

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Two books that were checked out of a Los Angeles public library in 1983 have finally made their way back.

The books, "The Home Book of Christmas," and "Christmas Stories from Many Lands," were returned on Feb. 3, but the borrower won't face a hefty fine to match the decades-long possession of the books.

The books were returned during the first week of the amnesty period called "LAPL Misses You," which ends this Sunday.

The books were originally checked out from a branch library in 1983, and were accompanied by a hand-written note that said, "I found these in a closet. Sorry," according to library spokesman Peter Persic.

LA Public Library officials are encouraging borrowers to search their cars, closets, behind sofas and other locations for lost and forgotten library materials and return them to any of the library's 73 branches. Overdue fines will be forgiven and library accounts that have been frozen will be reactivated for the return of undamaged items.