Better late than never as high school receives library book 72 years late

An overdue library book has finally found its way back to Murray Bridge High School, 72 years after it was borrowed. Malcolm Blight, now 82, checked out a copy of Thor Heyerdahl's "The Kon-Tiki Expedition" in 1954. He admitted the book had been on his conscience for many years, but he never quite got around to returning it.

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I borrowed it in 1954 from the Murray Bridge High School library and it's been on my conscience for many years to return it, but it's one of those things you never get around to doing.

Blight explained that the book, which details Heyerdahl's 1947 expedition across the Pacific on a simple balsa wood raft, greatly inspired him. This inspiration fueled a lifelong passion for adventure, leading Blight to trek the Heysen Trail, climb peaks in the Flinders Ranges, and canoe sections of the River Murray.

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I was greatly inspired by it.

The impetus to finally return the book came after Blight heard about another instance where a book, borrowed 150 years prior, was returned. He decided it was time to rectify his own significantly overdue loan. Upon returning the book to the school's reception, he shared a lighthearted exchange with the receptionist, Toni Rippin, who noted the rarity of such an old item being returned in the digital age.

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We do have obviously a library here on-site, but most things are digital.

Rippin mentioned that the book would likely be displayed for students and staff, adding a unique piece of history to the school's library. She also acknowledged that many other items likely disappear from schools, but few are ever returned, making Blight's action a particularly noteworthy event.

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It will probably go in the library to be on display for students and staff that go in there to utilise that space.