Ohio Library Amazed by Patron’s Unprecedented Return of a Poetry Book 93 Years Late
In news that has rocked the entire library world, a patron at an Ohio library has returned a book that was stunningly overdue.
The book, “Selected Poems” by Robert Frost, was checked out from the library in 1928. But instead of being returned on time, it had been languishing on the patron’s bookshelf for an incredible 93 years.
Librarians were said to be astounded when the patron brought the book back this week, and even more amazed to see that the book was actually in pretty good condition.
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” said head librarian Angela Roberts. “I mean, who would keep a book for 93 years? I can’t even keep track of my own keys for that long.”
The patron, who has not been named, apparently found the book while clearing out an old family home, and decided it was time to finally return it to the library.
“It’s quite an incredible gesture, really,” said Roberts. “I mean, we’ve had books returned that were a few months overdue, or maybe a year or two. But 93 years? It’s just amazing.”
Despite the overdue fine for keeping the book for almost a century, librarians say they are just happy to have the book back in their collection.
“We’re not really concerned about the money,” said Roberts. “We just want to make sure that the book is available for future generations to enjoy.”
And indeed, the book is expected to be a key attraction for the library, with many people curious to see such an iconic literary work that has managed to survive for so long.
“I think it’s just amazing to see how a book can last for almost a century and still be relevant today,” said local resident Marcia Smith. “It just goes to show how important books and literature are to our culture.”
So while the overdue fine may have been steep – reportedly amounting to almost $3,000 – the value of having such an iconic book in the library’s collection is priceless.
“We’re just grateful to the patron for returning the book,” added Roberts. “It’s not every day you get a book that’s almost a century old returning to your library. It’s a wonderful gift to us, and to the community as a whole.”
