Archive · 16 Sep 2026
1894 Magazine Returned to Library After 132-Year Delay
John Hanson found an old magazine in his home many years ago.
The magazine was published in September 1894.
It belonged to Concord Public Library in New Hampshire.
Hanson discovered it while moving in 1966.
He did not know how it had arrived in his house.
He kept it for decades before deciding to return it.
The magazine was more than 132 years late.
A fine freeze meant he did not have to pay the large overdue charge.
John Hanson returned a September 1894 issue of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine to Concord Public Library.
The magazine was 48,220 days overdue and could have incurred a fine of Rs 11.5 lakh, or $12,055.
Hanson, 84, found the magazine while moving from Boscawen to Barrington in 1966.
He said he did not know how the periodical came into his possession and had kept it for decades.
He returned it after Concord Public Library announced a freeze on overdue fines.
- Who
- John Hanson, an 84-year-old Barrington resident, returned the magazine to Concord Public Library.
- What
- A September 1894 issue of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine was returned after being overdue for 132 years.
- When
- The magazine was found by Hanson in 1966 and recently returned after 48,220 overdue days.
- Where
- It was returned to Concord Public Library in Concord, New Hampshire, United States.
- Why
- Hanson returned it after learning that the library had frozen overdue fines.
- Magazine
- September 1894 issue of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine
- Borrower
- John Hanson, age 84
- Overdue period
- 132 years, or 48,220 days
- Potential fine
- Rs 11.5 lakh ($12,055)
- Discovery
- Hanson found it while moving from Boscawen to Barrington in 1966
- Library policy
- Concord Public Library had announced a freeze on overdue fines
- Return reason
- Hanson said the fine freeze prompted him to return the magazine