56 Years Later,Overdue Copy of Hemingway’s “the Sun Also Rises” Returns to Greenwich libary
GREENWICH,CT — In a heartwarming tale of accountability and nostalgia,a long-lost copy of Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises has finally made its way back to Greenwich Library—56 years after its due date. The book,originally checked out in 1969,was returned earlier this month with a heartfelt letter and a check to cover its replacement cost.
The story unfolded when the library shared a video on Facebook detailing the unexpected return. The sender, who grew up in Greenwich before moving to upstate New York in 1980, stumbled upon the book while sorting through old boxes. “I re-read it and am now returning it—56 years late,” the sender wrote in a letter dated January 7, 2025.“I am enclosing a check that I hope will cover the cost of replacing the book.”
The returned copy, which bears a due date stamp of April 15, 1969, is no longer part of the library’s circulating collection. However, newer editions of Hemingway’s classic are available in various formats for eager readers.
greenwich Library Executive Director Joe Williams expressed his delight at the gesture. “Receiving a long-overdue book with a thoughtful note was a delightful surprise,” Williams said in an emailed statement. “It’s a testament to the caring nature of our patrons. It’s moments like these that remind us of the generosity and obligation of our community. Fortunately, for the patron, we ended our overdue fines policy a few years ago.”
First published in 1926 by Scribner’s, The Sun Also Rises is Hemingway’s debut novel and a cornerstone of 20th-century literature.The book follows a group of American and British expatriates as they navigate life in post-World War I europe.Described as “the quintessential novel of the Lost Generation,” it showcases Hemingway’s signature spare yet powerful prose. As Amazon’s description notes,“The Sun Also Rises helped to establish Hemingway as one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century.”
This charming story of a book’s return after more than half a century highlights the enduring power of literature and the sense of community fostered by libraries. It also serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to make amends—even if it takes 56 years.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Book Title | The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway |
| Original Due date | April 15, 1969 |
| Return Date | January 2025 |
| Library | Greenwich Library |
| Library Policy | Overdue fines ended in recent years |
Have you ever returned a long-overdue book? Share your story in the comments below or explore Greenwich Library’s collection to discover your next literary adventure.
