Magazine from 1894 returned to New Hampshire library after over 130 years

John Hanson, 84, took advantage of fine amnesty at library to return copy that could’ve amounted to $12,055 in late fees A current affairs magazine that was checked out from a New Hampshire library at the end of the 19th century has finally been returned as a piece of history – more than 130 years overdue. Staff at Concord Public Library were surprised when an 84-year-old man walked into the branch earlier this month with what NBC News said was “a relatively well-cared-for edition” of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine from September 1894. Continue reading...

Richard Luscombe · Wed, Sep 16, 2026, 6:22 AM
US news | The Guardian

Magazine from 1894 returned to New Hampshire library after over 130 years

John Hanson, 84, took advantage of fine amnesty at library to return copy that could’ve amounted to $12,055 in late fees

A current affairs magazine that was checked out from a New Hampshire library at the end of the 19th century has finally been returned as a piece of history – more than 130 years overdue.

Staff at Concord Public Library were surprised when an 84-year-old man walked into the branch earlier this month with what NBC News said was “a relatively well-cared-for edition” of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine from September 1894.

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