A man has returned his late grandfather's library books, borrowed in 1910, a remarkable 116 years after they were due. Peter O'Sullivan brought Paradise, by John Milton, and William Shakespeare's King Lear back to Llanrwst Library in north Wales. His grandfather, Walter Griffith Owen, checked out the books over a century ago and did not return them.
The books, which date back to 1884, were originally donated to the Llanrwst Public Library and Reading Room by British industrialist Benjamin Armitage in the 1890s. A slip inside the volumes indicates that each book was lent for one week, with a fee of one penny per week for additional borrowing time. Had Mr. Owen been alive, the accumulated fines would have amounted to over £25.
Library officials decided not to charge Mr. O'Sullivan any overdue fees. Medi Ashton, Llanrwst Library Manager, expressed gratitude for the return, stating the books are in excellent condition and are being considered for display in an upcoming Cultural Heritage exhibition. The library plans to use the books to enrich educational sessions for local schools about the history and heritage of Llanrwst.
Conwy Archive Service has researched the history of libraries in Llanrwst, identifying 10 different locations in the town that have served as reading rooms since 1876. The books themselves bear date stamps from 1894. Walter Griffith Owen, who borrowed the books as a teenager, served in both World Wars, including volunteering in the First World War and later at Mulberry Harbour in Conwy during the Second World War. His family kept the books safe during his service.
