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WILKES-BARRE — A book overdue by 75 years was returned to a local library Wednesday.

According to a Facebook post, the Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre received “Val Rides the Oregon Trail.” The book, by Sanford Tousey, was due back to the library on Dec. 2, 1941.

Information Services Director Elaine Stefanko said the library doesn’t charge more than the book would cost, but the overdue charge would be $554.

“An overdue book would be 2 cents a day in 1941,” Stefanko said. Though the hardcover book doesn’t have a visible price, Stefanko said a children’s book in 1941 would have cost around 25 cents. The book is in “rather good condition for an old book” with some scribbles and pencil markings in it.

The book depicts the life of a young boy who travels the Oregon Trail in the 1800s.

People interested in reading the returned book can see it at the library, but Stefanko doesn’t believe it will be put into circulation because it would need to be labeled and stamped.

— Times Leader staff

A book was returned to the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre 75 years after it had been taken out.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_library-1.jpg.optimal.jpgA book was returned to the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre 75 years after it had been taken out.

A book was returned to the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre 75 years after it had been taken out.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_library2-1.jpg.optimal.jpgA book was returned to the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre 75 years after it had been taken out.