BREAKING: Ohio Library Overwhelmed by Sudden Arrival of 98-Year-Late Book, Librarians Still in Shock
COLUMBUS, OH – In a stunning turn of events, a long-lost book has finally been returned to the Franklin County Public Library, 98 years after its due date. The tome in question? “Wild West” by Bertrand W. Sinclair, a thrilling tale of cowboys and outlaws that has apparently been gathering dust in a time-traveling reader’s pocket for nearly a century.
According to library officials, the book was checked out on February 27, 1925, by a then-25-year-old man named “Buck” Johnson, who promised to return it in two weeks. Instead, Buck apparently decided to take a leisurely stroll through the ages, leaving the library to wonder if they’d ever see their beloved book again.
“We were starting to think it was lost forever,” said Library Director, Karen Thompson. “But then, out of the blue, it shows up on our doorstep with a note that says ‘Sorry, been busy with life.’ We’re just glad to have it back, even if it is a bit…worse for wear.”
The book, which has been described as “a little musty” and “covered in what appears to be dried mud,” is said to be in surprisingly good condition considering its advanced age. Librarians report that the pages are still intact, although the cover has faded to a lovely shade of beige.
As for Buck, the mysterious reader who returned the book, library officials say they’re still trying to track him down to ask him a few questions. “We’re not sure if he’s still alive,” said Thompson, “but if he is, we’re offering him a 100% discount on all library fines. And possibly a few therapy sessions to deal with the existential crisis of being 98 years late.”
In related news, library circulation numbers have skyrocketed as patrons clamor to check out “Wild West” and experience the thrill of reading a book that’s older than their grandparents. When asked if the library would be offering any special events to commemorate the book’s return, Thompson quipped, “We’re thinking of hosting a ‘Welcome Back, Buck’ party. But only if he agrees to return the library’s copy of ‘The Great Gatsby’ that’s been missing since 1922.”
