A classic novel, Walter Scott’s “Ivanhoe,” was returned to a Colorado library more than 100 years overdue, with fines that would have amounted to thousands of dollars in today’s money if the library still imposed late-fee penalties. The book was dropped off at Poudre Libraries 105 years to the day that it was checked out and was supposed to be due back on Feb. 13, 1919. An unidentified woman returned the book earlier this year after her brother found it while cleaning out their mother’s belongings in Kansas.
When the book was checked out, the fine for an overdue book at Poudre Libraries, which was then the Fort Collins Free Public Library, was 2 cents each day. Additionally, if a messenger had to be sent to pick up the book, the offender would owe another quarter. Based on these past lending rules, the fine for returning “Ivanhoe” 105 years late would have been approximately $760, adjusted for inflation to around $14,000. However, the library stopped charging late-fees in November 2020.
The book, which is still in good condition, was checked out 3 times before it went missing for 105 years. Annaclaire Crumpton, digital communications specialist for the library, expressed excitement about the book’s return, stating that it was amazing and that they were thrilled people would think to bring it back. The story of the return of “Ivanhoe” highlights the timelessness of books and the impact they can have across generations, as the book had likely been passed down from parents to kids.
Crumpton also mentioned that the returned book had been annotated and well-loved, prompting curiosity about how many generations it had passed through. The library plans to retire the book, as they have other copies of “Ivanhoe” to offer patrons, and it will likely end up in a local museum or displayed in the library as a historical artifact. This event serves as a reminder of the enduring value of books and the importance of sharing literary treasures across time and generations, making the return of “Ivanhoe” a heartwarming and significant moment for the library.
