Oxford student returns library books 20 years later with a note tucked inside — and got a swift reply

There's no better feeling than getting lost in a good book. One student who borrowed a book from Oxford University library made the news for a rather peculiar issue — returning a book after 20 years. The University received the book along with an apology letter, and they took to Instagram (@oxford_uni) to share the apology letter penned by the old student. 

For the last 2 decades, the library of Lady Margaret Hall, a college in the University of Oxford, could not track down three of their missing books. Despite looking for them everywhere, there was no sign of them. On April 27, 2025, an anonymous former student mysteriously returned three books they had borrowed 20 years ago! The borrower left a note addressed to the librarian at Lady Margaret Hall, Norham Gardens, University of Oxford.

The note read, “Dear librarian, upon sorting through some books and boxes, I discovered that I had unintentionally been in possession of these three books since I was an undergraduate 20 years ago. Please forgive me.” Their humility with a tinge of humor was enough to lighten the mood of the librarian despite the unintentional crime, and the years of hassle they'd undergone with multiple searches.

The University of Oxford took to its official Instagram page and posted the note along with the three books the former student had borrowed. The caption read, “‘Please forgive me!’ This note and three overdue library books (from 20 years ago) were delivered to the Lady Margaret Hall librarian last week.” The caption concluded, “Better late than never.”

The official Instagram page of Lady Margaret Hall also posted the image with another caption. “Better 20 years late than never,” the caption read. “This note and three overdue LMH Library books were delivered to our Librarian this week. Thanks to the sender for getting them back home in the end — all is forgiven!” The three books that were borrowed included, “An Historical Introduction to the Marprelate Tracts” by William Pierce, “The Lord Protector: Religion and Politics in the Life of Oliver Cromwell” by Robert Paul, and “Anatomie of Abuses” by Phillip Stubbes from 1583.

The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. It is best known for its rich architecture and excellence in the fields of science and humanities. Founded in 1906, it is also the oldest university in the English-speaking world, according to its official website. Lady Margaret Hall (LHM) was founded in 1878 when nine women enrolled and became the first of their kind to receive a formal education at the university, according to the official website of LHM. One of them founded "Save The Children which has been supporting the young for over a century, while another became the first female President of the British Medical Association.

The adorable exchange, apology, and forgiveness are going viral on social media. @yigoflaz joked, “Did they pay the fees on those?” @instadiary1_ exclaimed, “Ah, lovely! A true bibliophile.” @nicolegilroy commented “Now they have to reassess the books and catalogue the notes. Sheesh. Welcome home, books." @mc_gentry shared, “Absolutely fabulous, love this! Regrets sway and conscious say… to do what's right! LOL (Laugh out Loud), well done!”

You can follow The University of Oxford (@oxford_uni) on Instagram for more educational content.