(Fotolia)

A senior in Estonia returned a library book 69 years late last week because he said the library was damaged in a bombing during the Second World War.

The man, now 85 years old, had borrowed the book — Kulmale Maale by Eduard Vilde — on March 5, 1944, from the Tallinn Central Library, but the Soviets bombed the library four days later.

"When he returned the book to the library he was extremely sorry, almost tearful, and terribly frightened about the fine of the overdue book," library spokeswoman Ivika Turkson said.

The library waived the late fees, but the charges would have been more than $2,200.

"We were truly happy that the book eventually found its way home."

In 1944, the library remained open after the air strike, as it was only partially damaged, and the building became a shelter for the librarians, their families and nearby residents.