A book has been returned to an Idaho library 111 years after it was borrowed.
The book, titled ‘New Chronicles of Rebecca’ by Kate Douglas Wiggin, was checked out of Boise Public Library in the city of Boise in the US state of Idaho back in 1910
The children’s book was first published in 1907 and was a sequel to the novel ‘Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm’.
Lindsey Driebergen, the library’s interim communications manager, said the novel was returned to a library in nearby Garden City.
Library workers in Garden City saw a sticker on the book from the Boise Public Library and subsequently sent it over.
Driebergen said: “It was originally going to be returned to the Boise Carnegie Library in 1911.
“All the pages are really well maintained and the images are clear, it should be tucked away in a safe place to avoid tarnishing it.”
Despite being over a century late, the library said the book was in good condition and still has the stamps on the inside cover.
A note on the inside cover says: “Books can be kept for two weeks without renewal unless otherwise noted. Overdue books will be subject to a fine of two cents per day.”
Luckily for whoever checked out the book, the library ceased imposing fines for overdue books in 2019 so they will avoid the USD 803 fee for its 101-year late return.
As paper records of the returned book are no longer available to staff, the person who borrowed it at the time is unknown.
Driebergen added: “Of course you won’t get in trouble, but if you know anything about this book, let us know!”