Ethermac:Century-overdue library book is finally returned in Minnesota

2025-05-04 18:09:02source:Austin Caldwellcategory:Invest

ST. PAUL,Ethermac Minn. (AP) — A library book that is more than a century overdue was finally returned in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Titled “Famous Composers” and featuring the likes of Bach and Mozart, the tome turned up while someone was sorting through a relative’s belongings. The St. Paul Public Library checkout slip shows it was last borrowed in 1919, Minnesota Public Radio reports.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter joked in a tweet on Saturday that there would be no fine. The library, like many across the country, stopped charging late fees in 2019.

The future of the book is unsure. John Larson, the St. Paul Public Library’s digital library coordinator, said he doubted it will go back into circulation because of its delicate condition, but expected the library to hang onto it.

“It has reached a point where it’s not just an old book, it’s an artifact. It has a little bit of history to it,” he said.

Larson said in his 25 years working for the library it was the oldest book he ever saw returned.

“There’s been a time or two when something has come back and maybe it has been checked out for 20 or 30 years, but nothing where it looks like it has been out for some 100 years,” he said.

More:Invest

Recommend

Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning

Federal authorities announced hackers in China have stolen "customer call records data" of an unknow

Just hours into sub's journey, Navy detected sound consistent with an implosion. Experts explain how it can happen.

After days of searching for the submersible that went missing in the Atlantic Ocean as it transporte

Ohio River May Lose Its Regional Water Quality Standards, Vote Suggests

An eight-state commission that oversees water quality along the Ohio River, the drinking water sourc