Man Finally Returns Library Book Checked Out In 1927

Libraries are a wonderful resource that allows us to access all sorts of literature that we may not have known about otherwise.

Unfortunately, we have all had that sad moment of realization when we see a book on our shelves that we forgot to take back. In these instances, the late fees can be terrifying, keeping us from doing the right thing.

On the other hand, there are those who will do everything in their power to make things right, no matter how long it has been.

According to KSBY, Jim Perry of Napa, California recently made an amazing discovery. He was going through some boxes in his home and came across a book that had been in his family for quite some time. Can you believe that this book was initially taken out of the library in 1927?

It’s hard to fathom but it is true. His grandfather-in-law is the culprit here. He is the one who checked out “A Family History of the United States” by historian Benson Lossing ages ago. This book was supposed to have been brought back by February 21, 1927. Sadly, Perry’s wife passed away eight years ago. He moved to Napa from St. Helena after she was laid to rest, with a few boxes of her belongings in tow.

Years later, he finally unpacked the box and found the book inside. At this time, he knew that he needed to do what was right. That’s when he took the book to the library and gave it back. “This is an old book that’s been in our family for five generations,” he told the librarian, according to KSBY.

Chris Kreiden, the library director, soon came across the book and realized that this was not your regular, ordinary book. He soon figured out that the book was very old. In fact, Chris has come to believe that the book is actually a part of the library’s original collection. Back in the day, this book was part of a subscription program where patrons had to pay a monthly fee to rent them.

Once Chris fed the story to a local news station, Perry ended up seeing the stories. Now, the book is resting inside of a special display case. This story should serve as a helpful pat on the back for everyone else with overdue library books. No matter how late your returns may be, they are not as bad as this one! Luckily, there are no more late fees here or this man would have owed over $1,700!