Return Way Overdue Library Books: A Decades-Old Debt Settled

In a remarkable turn of events, a Massachusetts man has returned a collection of overdue library books that were checked out nearly a century ago. The books, which date back to the 1920s and 1930s, had been stored in a wooden box in the attic of his family's Somerville home for decades before being discovered in his basement.

Iob Alvarez, 63, found the box while cleaning out his Methuen home after it was sold in 2010. It wasn't until June that he finally opened the box and examined its contents, revealing a treasure trove of books that had been checked out from the Somerville Public Library. Among the titles were several books from Somerville schools, as well as some from his aunt's personal collection.

The oldest book in the collection was published in the 19th century, while others dated back to the early 20th century. The books had accumulated a significant amount of dust and dirt over the years, but their contents remained intact.

Alvarez contacted the library shortly after discovering the books, saying 'I've got some overdue books, am I talking to the right people?' Fortunately for him, the library stopped charging late fees as of July 1, so he won't be facing any fines. However, library users are still responsible for paying fees associated with replacing lost or damaged books.

The story of the returned books is a fascinating one, and it highlights the importance of returning borrowed items in a timely manner. While Alvarez may not have faced any late fees, his actions demonstrate that it's never too late to right an old wrong and return what belongs to others.

In this case, the Somerville Public Library has been reunited with its long-lost books, and Alvarez can rest easy knowing that he's done the right thing. The story serves as a reminder to always keep track of our belongings and to return them in a timely manner, lest they become lost forever like these overdue library books.

Return way overdue library books