THIS SCREAMS SCAM to me.
Have you called his home to see if he's there? Scams always put a person away from home.
Tell your friend that you are going to call the police to visit him at the hotel and verify his troubles.
*******Ask him for the NAME AND ADDRESS of the hotel or the library.*******
If this gentleman really is your friend and needs your help, let the police find him and verify his story. If he's someone masquerading as your friend, my guess is he won't be willing to give you the info you ask for, or will give you bogus info. If he gives you any info, check it online. Don't call a phone number as he can give a friends number to you, and then answer as the hotel and 'verify' the story.