A copy of ‘Beowulf’ has been returned to a local library after being checked out in 1969.
Based on the policy of 5 cents per day, the overdue copy of Chauncey Brewster Tinker’s classic would have accrued nearly £790 ($1,000) in fines.
Thankfully, despite being booked out 54 years ago, the borrower will avoid paying the hefty bill.
Sewickley Public Library in Pennsylvania, US, said the Beowulf copy was booked out in January 1969 – the same month Richard Nixon was sworn in as the 37th President.
The book was returned to the local library earlier this month.
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“There’s overdue… then there’s OVERDUE,” said a library spokesperson.
“At that time, fines were 5¢ per day, which means this pretty piece of poetry would have collected almost $1,000 in fines over the years!
“In reality, we would have charged the cost of this item since it’s been gone so long.
“That means the borrower would owe $0.98, which is how much it cost to purchase the title in the 1920s.
“Fortunately, SPL is a fine free library!
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“As we celebrate our library’s enduring 150 year history, it is a really incredible to have a part of it return during this celebratory year to add to our library’s continuing story.”
One local commented: “This is incredible!”
Lana said: “This is very dear, I love that it was returned to its home.”
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Rosa wrote: “Good. Now I can borrow it!”
READ MORE: Overdue book returned to library after 119 years
