Overdue Book Returned to 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 Plein noticed that the treatise had been part of the collection at the New Bedford library and had not been stamped “Withdrawn,” indicating that it had not been discarded.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.

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How did the New Bedford Free Public Library react to the return of the long-lost book?

Library’s collection in the past and decided to investigate further.

Upon closer examination, Plein discovered a library sticker from the New Bedford Free Public Library inside the book, along with a due date of February 14, 1904. Realizing the significance of the find, she immediately contacted the library to inform them of the long-lost book’s return.

The New Bedford Free Public Library was delighted to receive the news and eagerly awaited the book’s arrival. Library director Olivia Melo described the return as “an incredible piece of our history coming back to us after all these years.”

The book, “An Elementary Treatise on Electricity” by James Clerk Maxwell, was an important work in the field of physics when it was published in 1881. Maxwell, a Scottish physicist, made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of electromagnetism and is considered one of the greatest scientists of all time.

The overdue book’s return has sparked interest and intrigue among library staff and patrons. The library plans to display the book in a special exhibit to celebrate its long-awaited return and showcase its historical significance.

While it remains unclear how the book ended up in West Virginia after being checked out from a Massachusetts library, the New Bedford Free Public Library is just grateful to have it back. The library encourages patrons to return overdue books, no matter how long they have been missing, free of charge and without fear of judgment or punishment.

The return of this overdue book after 119 years serves as a reminder of the value of libraries and the importance of returning borrowed materials. It also highlights the role libraries play in preserving and sharing knowledge for generations to come.

In a world where technology has made information easily accessible, the story of this long-lost book’s return reminds us of the tangible and historical significance of physical books. It serves as a testament to the power of literature and the enduring impact it can have over time.

The return of the overdue book has brought joy to the New Bedford Free Public Library and serves as a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, lost things can make their way back home, no matter how much time has passed.