Library Patron Reads “The Hound of Baskervilles” for 84 Years Straight, Finally Returns Book
In a first for the Finnish library system, a devoted patron has returned a book borrowed 84 years ago from the library. The book in question, “The Hound of Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle, was borrowed by a young reader in 1936. The reader, who has since passed away, was known to have read the book every year since, keeping it in pristine condition.
“It’s really quite remarkable,” said the head librarian, “We’ve had books returned fifty years late before, but never anything quite like this. We’re just glad that it’s finally back where it belongs.”
The library, which has since moved locations twice since the book was borrowed, had no record of the book’s whereabouts until it suddenly appeared in the return slot last week. According to library staff, the book has been missing for so long that many thought it was simply lost.
“I’m just glad that we don’t have to pay the billion dollar late fee,” the head librarian joked. “I mean, it’s not like we could afford it anyway.”
The book, which is now over a century old, is a classic work of detective fiction that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. The fact that it was kept in such good condition over the years is a testament to both the patron’s devotion and the quality of the book.
“I can’t believe someone would be that obsessed with a book,” said one library patron, “I mean, I’ve got a stack of books at home that I’ll probably never read. I can’t even imagine reading the same book every year for eight decades.”
Although the library is happy to have the book back, they have no plans to put it on display or anything like that.
“We’re just going to put it back on the shelf with the rest of the books,” the head librarian said. “I mean, it’s a nice book and all, but it’s not like it’s made of gold or anything.”
While the mystery of the missing book may have been solved, the question of why the patron felt the need to read it every year remains a mystery.
“I can only imagine that they really loved that book,” the head librarian said. “I mean, eight decades is a long time to keep up a hobby.”
As for future library patrons, the head librarian had this to say: “Please, don’t keep the books for 84 years. We don’t want to have to wait that long to get them back.”
