Magazine from 1894 is finally returned to New Hampshire public library, tell me about this news in (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/magazine-1894-finally-returned-new-hampshire-public-library-rcna597894)
16-09-2026
A patron named John returned an issue of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine from September 1894 to the Concord Public Library in New Hampshire after it had been overdue for 132 years. CBS NewsKey details from the story:
- The Overdue Item: The magazine was 48,220 days late. The library, founded in 1873, had only been in operation for roughly two decades when the copy was originally checked out. newscentermaine.com+ 1
- How It Resurfaced: The patron stated he did not know how the magazine originally made its way into his home, only that it had been sitting there for decades. CBS News
- Avoided Fine: At standard late rates, the overdue fee would have totaled $12,055. However, the borrower owed nothing because the library had recently launched a yearlong “fine freeze” policy to study the impact of going fine-free and encourage community members to return overdue materials. newscentermaine.com
- Next Steps: The library noted that the 19th-century publication will not return to general circulation and will instead likely be placed on public display. CBS News