Century-overdue library book is finally returned in Minnesota

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A library volume, titled “Famous Composers,” encompassing the works of renowned figures such as Bach and Mozart, has been recovered in St. Paul, Minnesota, after languishing overdue for over a century. The remarkable return of this tome occurred during the process of sifting through a relative’s possessions. According to reports from Minnesota Public Radio, the library’s checkout slip from the St. Paul Public Library indicates that it was last borrowed in the year 1919.

In a lighthearted tweet on Saturday, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter quipped that no fines would be imposed on the tardy return. This leniency aligns with a trend seen in numerous libraries nationwide, which ceased imposing late fees in 2019.

The future destiny of this century-old book remains uncertain. John Larson, the digital library coordinator for the St. Paul Public Library, expressed doubts about its reintroduction into circulation due to its fragile state. Nevertheless, he anticipated that the library would preserve it as an artifact with historical significance.

Larson, drawing upon his 25 years of service to the library, remarked that this particular return marked a unique occurrence in his career. While there have been instances of books being returned after prolonged periods, with some having been checked out for two or three decades, this instance stands out as a testament to the passage of a century or more since its last checkout.

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More about Centennial Library Book Return

• Minnesota Public Radio
• St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s Tweet
• St. Paul Public Library