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1894 Magazine Returned After 132-Year Overdue Period
By Drooid · · How we work
The Unexpected Return of a 1894 Periodical
An 1894 issue of *The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine* was turned in to the Concord Public Library in New Hampshire after being overdue for an estimated 48,220 days—roughly 132 years. The magazine, bearing a library bookplate that limits circulation to one week, was brought in by 84-year-old John Hanson, a longtime resident of Barrington who first encountered the periodical during a 1966 move from Boscawen.
How the Overdue Period Was Calculated
If the library’s standard fine schedule had applied, Hanson could have faced a charge of $12,055 for the prolonged lateness. The calculation is based on the library’s per-day fine rate applied to the 48,220 days the item remained unchecked.
Library Response Amid a “Fine Freeze”
Archivist and outreach coordinator Jennifer Needham was at the circulation desk when Hanson arrived. She recalled being surprised by the age of the item, noting she initially expected it to be from the late 20th century. Because the library is currently operating under a “fine freeze” policy, all accrued fees were cancelled, meaning Hanson incurred no monetary penalty for the return.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yeah, when I saw that, I said to myself, ‘Boy, this would be a good time to bring it back,’” — John Hanson — John Hanson, library patron
- “I honestly thought it was going to be from the 1980s, ’90s or 2000s. But then he pulled this out, and I was like, ‘Ooo, tell me more!’” — John Hanson — John Hanson, library patron
These remarks capture Hanson’s motivation to return the magazine once he learned that late fees would not be assessed. The incident highlights both the longevity of library holdings and the impact of temporary policy changes on patron interactions.