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…
In 1894, a 19th century magazine borrowed from Concord Public Library in New Hampshire remained overdue for 132 years before finally returning. The overdue issue of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine sat in the library's possession for 48,220 days, amassing a $12,055 (£8,950) fine. The library announced a freeze on fines after making the announcement, which prevented the overdue magazine from incurring any additional financial penalties.
Patrons who returned the magazine, referred to as John, had no awareness of how the magazine had ended up in his possession for such an extended period. Upon learning about the library's fine freeze from a local newspaper, John decided to return the centuries-old magazine. He expressed surprise at the library's decision to accept such a long overdue item, stating that the library's announcement had brought smiles to many faces.
The library declared a one-year amnesty on overdue fines starting from September 1, 2026, to evaluate the effects of a "fine-free library". The overdue magazine, while not to be placed back in circulation, may find a home in the library's Concord Room, a section dedicated to local history. The library hopes that this incident will prompt more overdue items to be returned, marking the beginning of a fine-free policy.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana'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.
