A Historic Return: Overdue Book Reappears at Massachusetts Library After 119 Years

Overdue book returned to Massachusetts library 119 years later

On February 14, 1904, a book titled “An Elementary Treatise on Electricity” by James Clerk Maxwell was checked out from the New Bedford Free Public Library in Massachusetts. However, it would take 119 years for the book to finally find its way back to the library.

The discovery of the overdue book occurred when Stewart Plein, the curator of rare books at West Virginia University Libraries, was sorting through a recent donation of books. Plein noticed that the treatise had been part of the collection at the New Bedford library and had not been stamped “Withdrawn,” indicating that it had not been discarded.

Plein contacted Jodi Goodman, the special collections librarian in New Bedford, to inform her of the find. The book was returned in extremely good condition, suggesting that it had been well-preserved and possibly passed down through generations.

Although the treatise, first published in 1881, is not considered a rare edition, its return after such a long time is highly unusual for the New Bedford library. While the library occasionally receives books that are 10 or 15 years overdue, nothing close to a century or more has been returned before.

At the time the book was last in New Bedford, the world was still exploring the possibilities of electricity. Thomas Edison had recently received a patent for his incandescent lamp, and significant events such as the second modern World Series and the first airplane flight by the Wright brothers were taking place.

The return of the book serves as a testament to the enduring value of printed books in an age of digitalization and instant access to vast amounts of information. Olivia Melo, the director of the New Bedford Public Library, emphasized the significance of holding a book that was read 120 years ago and the assurance that it will still be valuable a hundred years from now.

The New Bedford library has a late fee of 5 cents per day, which means that someone returning a book overdue by 119 years would face a fee of over $2,100. However, the library’s late fee limit is capped at $2.

The discovery and return of the overdue book also highlight the lesson that it is never too late to return a library book, according to Melo.

The New Bedford Public Library expressed gratitude to Stewart Plein and West Virginia University Libraries for their keen observation and efforts in returning the long-overdue book.

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What plans does the New Bedford library have for the display and celebration of the returned book’s historical significance

Returned. Intrigued, Plein reached out to the New Bedford library, notifying them of the long-lost book’s discovery.

Upon receiving the news, the New Bedford Free Public Library was both astounded and delighted. The book’s return has brought an unexpected piece of history back to life and has given the library a reason to celebrate.

The book itself holds significant value, as it was written by renowned scientist James Clerk Maxwell, known for his groundbreaking work in the field of electromagnetism. Published in 1873, the treatise contains Maxwell’s theories and experiments that revolutionized the understanding of electricity.

The overdue book serves as a reminder of the library’s rich history and the impact it has had on its community over the past century. It is through stories like this that the New Bedford library continues to connect its past with the present.

While the circumstances surrounding the book’s extended absence remain unclear, the library staff is grateful for its return. It serves as a testament to the enduring nature of libraries and their ability to preserve knowledge throughout generations.

The book will now be placed on display in the library, allowing patrons to marvel at its historical significance. Additionally, the library plans to create a special exhibit to showcase the book and its journey back after 119 years.

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder to all library patrons to return their borrowed items promptly. Even though it may take a considerable amount of time, books and other materials should always find their way back home to the library where they belong.