Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Library books overdue by more than a century finally returned in 'pristine condition'

gbnews.com · 4dShare

Library books which were overdue by more than a century have finally been returned - in "pristine condition". Peter O'Sullivan returned a copy of Milton's Paradise Lost and Shakespeare's King Lear to a library in Wales a mere 116 years after they were taken out. His grandfather, Walter Griffith Owen, originally checked out the books from the former Llanrwst Reading Room & Library in Conwy. Both were originally lent for just one week, according to a note inside the manuscripts. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say It continued that if the book "be required for a second week, application should be made to the caretaker". It said the late fee was one penny per week. The books have been on loan for over 6,000 weeks, and Mr O'Sullivan admitted to the BBC he feared a possible fine. Before decimalisation in 1971, there were 12 pennies in a shilling and 20 shillings in a pound. Mr O'Sullivan - making sure he did not receive a fine - did bring some money with him as he returned the classics to Llan

First report: Library books overdue by 116 years returned in 'excellent condition' — bbc.co.uk, 5d