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.
![The copy of Beowulf that was returned to Sewickley Public Library after 54 years.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Beowulf-book-returned-to-library-after-54-years-2.jpg)
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.
- Advertisement -
![Sewickley Public Library in Pennsylvania, US. To Which a book was returned to after 54 years.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Beowulf-book-returned-to-library-after-54-years.jpg)
“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!
- Advertisement -
“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.”
- Advertisement -
![A social media user comments on the copy of Beowulf that was returned incredibly late.](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jam_Press_JMP416017.jpg)
Rosa wrote: “Good. Now I can borrow it!”
READ MORE: Overdue book returned to library after 119 years