Magazine that was 132 years overdue returned to US library
A 19th century magazine borrowed from a library in New Hampshire 132 years ago has finally been returned.
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.
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