A copy of James Clerk Maxwell's "An Elementary Treatise on Electricity" has finally been returned to the New Bedford Free Public Library in Massachusetts after a staggering 119 years. The scientific text, borrowed back in 1904, resurfaced unexpectedly in a donation of books to West Virginia University Libraries. Stewart Plein, the rare books curator, noticed the book's New Bedford library markings and, crucially, the absence of a "withdrawn" stamp. This indicated that the book, while incredibly overdue, was still considered part of the New Bedford collection.
Plein contacted Jodi Goodman, the special collections librarian in New Bedford, to share the discovery. New Bedford Public Library director Olivia Melo expressed surprise at the book's excellent condition, speculating that it had been carefully preserved and likely passed down through generations. Although not a rare edition, the book's journey highlights the enduring nature of physical books. Published in 1881, the treatise offers a glimpse into a time when the world was just beginning to grasp the potential of electricity. Its original borrowing date coincided with Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, a year after the Wright brothers' first flight, and during the celebration of New York City's inaugural subway line.
While the New Bedford library occasionally receives overdue books, Melo noted that none have come close to being a century overdue. The incident underscores the lasting value of printed books in a digital age. Melo emphasized the tangible connection to the past that holding such a book provides, contrasting it with the ephemeral nature of digital information. She believes printed books will retain their value and presence for generations to come.
As for the hefty late fees one might expect for a 119-year overdue book, the library's policy caps them at $2. This story echoes other recent instances of long-overdue books being returned, including a 45-year-overdue book returned to an Oregon library with a note and a check for fines, and a 75-year-overdue book returned to a New Jersey library by a man who had borrowed it as a teenager.
