Magazine from 1894 returned to New Hampshire library after over 130 years
John Hanson, 84, took advantage of fine amnesty at library to return copy that could’ve amounted to $12,055 in late fees A current affairs magazine that was checked out from a New Hampshire library at the end of the 19th century has finally been returned as a piece of history – more than 130 years overdue. Staff at Concord Public Library were surprised when an 84-year-old man walked into the…
A 19th century magazine, overdue for 132 years, has been returned to its original New Hampshire library. The overdue September 1894 issue of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine was returned last week after the Concord Public Library announced a freeze on fines. The library had stated that the magazine would have incurred a $12,055 (£8,950) fine, amounting to 48,220 days of overdue.
The patron, John, had kept the magazine for decades without knowing its origin. He decided to return the magazine upon reading about the library's fine freeze in a local newspaper. Concord Public Library expressed excitement over the return, stating that they had seen many happy faces since announcing the fine freeze. Although the magazine won't be placed back in circulation, it might find its place in the library's local history section, known as the Concord Room. John will not have to pay the $12,055 fine for the 48,220 days of overdue.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
