Overdue Book Returned to Hamilton Library After 135 Years

A long-lost book has finally returned to the Hamilton Public Library in Ontario, Canada, after being overdue for an astonishing **135 years**. The Victorian-era guide titled “The Excellent Woman,” written by **Anne Pratt**, was checked out in the 1890s and had remained missing ever since. It was recently returned by **Robert Moore**, who discovered it while cleaning out his late father’s house.

Moore found the book, which was originally borrowed by a **Miss Charlotte Morgan**, a teacher at Central School, as indicated by her name written in the back. According to library spokesperson **Shelley McKay**, the book may be one of the original volumes from when the Hamilton library opened its doors in **September 1890**. The specific edition was published in **1852** in Boston.

“The book is listed as number 54 in the library’s records, written in ink,” Moore explained. “We are still trying to determine exactly when Miss Morgan checked it out and how it ended up behind a grate at Central School.”

The book is a commentary on the Bible’s Book of Proverbs, offering guidance on how women should conduct themselves. Moore noted that while the text may not resonate with modern feminists, it was considered quite empowering for women of its time. “Pratt criticized women who merely aimed to marry well and attend parties, encouraging them to seek more fulfilling lives,” he said.

After **Tom Moore**, Robert’s father and a stationary engineer at Central Public School, discovered the book during renovations, it remained on a bookshelf until Robert found it again this year. “I knew I had to return it to the library,” he stated.

The library welcomed the book back enthusiastically. “We were more than a little surprised and taken aback by the discovery,” McKay said. She added that the book is in surprisingly good condition, noting, “I should look so good at its age.”

Although the book will not be returned to circulation due to its historical significance, it is set to be preserved in the library’s archives. McKay mentioned that the recovery of this book has sparked excitement within the community, prompting many residents to check for any old library materials they might have.

“I hope this encourages people to look under their beds and in their closets,” McKay said. The story of “The Excellent Woman” illuminates not just the passage of time, but also the lasting impact of literature on societal norms and values.