Posted on May 28, 2019 at 4:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Most likely, your local library can’t boast of owning a first-edition book — that honor is often reserved for museums and wealthy collectors.

Gweedore Public Library in Northern Ireland, however, can claim that honor.

The library’s copy of The White Owl by Annie MP Smithson was checked out in 1937, the same year it was published, and until this month, it was never seen again.

The BBC reports that the book turned up in a house that was being emptied, and its return stunned employees.

“I couldn't believe my eyes ... when the book was returned to us after such a long time,” senior library assistant Denis McGeady told the BBC.

“It’s common to see books brought back two or maybe three years late — but this is unique.”

No fine will be levied — that practice was banished across Irish libraries in January — but the book will be put on display rather than lent out again.

Categories: Today in Books

Tagged As: Libraries

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