Current:Home > Contact-us86-year-old returns George Orwell's "1984" to library 65 years late, saying it needs to be read "more than ever"-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
86-year-old returns George Orwell's "1984" to library 65 years late, saying it needs to be read "more than ever"
View Date:2024-12-23 16:45:50
A first-edition copy of George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" has finally been returned to the library from which it was borrowed – 65 years overdue. And the fine for doing so is even more surprising.
The novel was first checked out from the Multnomah County Library in 1958. Then on May 16, the person who checked out the book returned it to the library along with a typed note.
The borrower, identified only as "WP" in their note, said they meant to return it when they graduated from Portland State University that year, "but somehow never got around to doing it."
"After re-reading, I realize that, more than ever, this book should be put back in circulation. Significant parts are as relevant today as they were 65 tears [sic] ago," they said. "...Sorry to be so tardy. At age 86, I wanted to finally clear my conscience."
They pointed specifically to the words at the top of page 207, saying that if you "add the words internet and social media," you will be "reading about 2023."
"1984" is a dystopian novel published in 1949 that serves as a warning against totalitarianism, using its main character Winston Smith to show how the always-watching "Big Brother" government manipulates individuals to achieve its end goals.
The book soared back to popularity in 2017 amid the Trump administration touting "alternative facts" and spewing misinformation about a range of topics. That same year the film version of the story was also screened in nearly 200 movie theaters in the U.S. after then-President Trump's budget proposed to cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, among other agencies.
A photo of the book posted on Facebook by the library shows its exterior to still be in relatively good condition, with just a mild stain in its corner. And even though it's decades late, the fee for the delayed return is minor. In fact, it's non-existent.
"Fine-free library for the win," the library wrote on Facebook, saying the book has Library Association of Portland stamp on its pages. "Conscience cleared."
- In:
- Books
- Oregon
Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.
veryGood! (647)
Related
- 'I know how to do math': New Red Lobster CEO says endless shrimp deal is not coming back
- Round 2 of US Rep. Gaetz vs. former Speaker McCarthy plays out in Florida GOP primary
- West Virginia’s personal income tax to drop by 4% next year, Gov. Justice says
- Newly identified remains of missing World War II soldier from Oregon set to return home
- Steelers' Mike Tomlin shuts down Jayden Daniels Lamar comparison: 'That's Mr. Jackson'
- As Sonya Massey's death mourned, another tragedy echoes in Springfield
- Love Island U.K. Tommy Fury Slams “False” Allegations He Cheated on Ex-Fiancée Molly-Mae Hague
- Silk non-dairy milk recalled in Canada amid listeria outbreak: Deaths increased to three
- Todd Golden to continue as Florida basketball coach despite sexual harassment probe
- The Nasdaq sell-off has accelerated, and history suggests it'll get even worse
Ranking
- AIT Community Introduce
- IOC gives Romania go-ahead to award gymnast Ana Barbosu bronze medal after CAS ruling
- Federal judge reinforces order for heat protection for Louisiana inmates at prison farm
- Colorado man charged with strangling teen who was goofing around at In-N-Out Burger
- 'Red One' review: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans embark on a joyless search for Santa
- RCM Accelerates Global Expansion
- Nick Jonas reflects on fatherhood, grief while promoting 'The Good Half'
- RCM Accelerates Global Expansion
Recommendation
-
Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Shares Hysterical Farmers Only Dating Profile Video After Kody Split
-
Massachusetts governor says deals have been reached to keep some threatened hospitals open
-
Keke Palmer Shares How 17-Month-Old Son Leodis Has Completely Changed Her Life
-
South Carolina man suing Buc-ee's says he was injured by giant inflatable beaver: Lawsuit
-
Oprah Winfrey Addresses Claim She Was Paid $1 Million by Kamala Harris' Campaign
-
After record-breaking years, migrant crossings plunge at US-Mexico border
-
Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars announce joint single 'Die with a Smile'
-
Kansas will pay $50,000 to settle a suit over a transgender Highway Patrol employee’s firing