A copy of Joseph Conrad's 1925 book "Youth and Two Other Stories" was returned to the Larchmont Public Library in New York on September 29, 2023, after being checked out on October 11, 1933. The book was returned by Joanie Morgan of Virginia, who found it among her stepfather's belongings.
At first, Larchmont librarian Caroline Cunningham was 'surprised' to get a call from Joanie and thought she may be calling the wrong library as there's a Larchmont library in Virginia.
Jimmie Ellis, who got the book issued, lived in the village with his first wife and two children. He died in 1978.
In a letter sent to the library, Joanie explained, "Their house was about two blocks from Larchmont Public Library. And since Jimmie, a writer and avid reader himself, no doubt encouraged his boys to read, they most likely borrowed books from Larchmont Public on a regular basis."
The library charged Joanie a late fee of $5, the maximum late fee allowed under library policy.
Library patrons are charged 20 cents per day for overdue books, but the maximum fine is $5.
The Larchmont Public Library was founded in 1926. This is the longest overdue book that the library has ever had.
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