Robert Brown-Century-overdue library book is finally returned in Minnesota

2025-05-06 20:28:05source:Jonathan Dale Bentoncategory:Markets

ST. PAUL,Robert Brown Minn. (AP) — A library book that is more than a century overdue was finally returned in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Titled “Famous Composers” and featuring the likes of Bach and Mozart, the tome turned up while someone was sorting through a relative’s belongings. The St. Paul Public Library checkout slip shows it was last borrowed in 1919, Minnesota Public Radio reports.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter joked in a tweet on Saturday that there would be no fine. The library, like many across the country, stopped charging late fees in 2019.

The future of the book is unsure. John Larson, the St. Paul Public Library’s digital library coordinator, said he doubted it will go back into circulation because of its delicate condition, but expected the library to hang onto it.

“It has reached a point where it’s not just an old book, it’s an artifact. It has a little bit of history to it,” he said.

Larson said in his 25 years working for the library it was the oldest book he ever saw returned.

“There’s been a time or two when something has come back and maybe it has been checked out for 20 or 30 years, but nothing where it looks like it has been out for some 100 years,” he said.

More:Markets

Recommend

New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico would make major new investments in early childhood education, indu

Profiles in clean energy: She founded a business to keep EV charging stations up and running

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kameale Terry saw it coming before almost anyone else did. She realized the expan

Why Hacks Star Hannah Einbinder's Mom Slammed The Bear After 2024 Emmy Wins

Live from 2024 Emmys night, it's Laraine Newman's hot take about The Bear!Now, the Saturday Night Li