A long-overdue library book has finally been returned to the Hopewell Regional Library in Virginia, nearly 50 years after its due date.
The book, a copy of Walt Whitman’s poetry collection Leaves of Grass, was checked out on June 3, 1974, according to Catherine Field, the Adult Services Librarian. Field said a woman discovered the book while cleaning out her sister’s home and noticed the due date slip still inside.
The library initially acquired the copy in 1959, and Field noted that Whitman’s work has always been popular. However, the book won’t be returned to circulation due to its worn condition.
Although the library no longer charges late fees, had it done so, the fine would have totaled about $1,700. The policy of waiving late fees was introduced to encourage overdue book returns.
“It’s great they dismissed the late fees on it,” said library patron David Jarrett. “But it’s great the book is back. That’s the main thing.”