Poetry Book Checked Out in 1974 Returned to Library 50 Years Later: 'We're Glad to Have It Back'

According to the library, the book was due on June 3, 1974

A Virginia library was in for a surprise when a book was returned 50 years late!

Late last month, Hopewell Library in Hopewell, Va. posted a video on Facebook about a patron who checked out Leaves of Grass, a poetry collection by Walt Whitman, in 1974.

According to the library, the book was due on June 3, 1974 — and it was finally returned on August 22, 2024.

"We got an exciting return," the library wrote in the post. "Checked out in 1974, the year our three libraries joined up to become the Appomattox Regional Library System, this book has been returned after 50 years!"

The library went on to note that the poetry lover wouldn't be on the hook for a big sum. "Since we went fine free last summer there’s no charge for overdue books, even when it’s been decades," they wrote.

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"We’re glad to have it back after 50 years," the library added.

PEOPLE reached out to Hopewell Library for additional information but did not immediately hear back.

In an interview with WTVR, adult services librarian Catherine Field said that the book was returned by a woman, who "said she found this book while she was cleaning out her sister's home."

However, the outlet reported that even though it was returned, due to its condition, the book won't be going back on the shelves.

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In the comment section on Facebook, Hopewell Library wrote that they stopped charging late fees for books in 2023, but at the time, book fines "were capped at $4 and started at 10 cents a day."

"No one on staff now knows what the fine policy was in 1974, but if it had been 10 cents a day it would have been around $1,774!" they added.

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A library representative spoke with Fox News and explained that the book was likely checked out "two weeks" before the due date, which would have been May 20, 1974.

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The representative added, "This is almost certainly the longest overdue book we've ever had returned."

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