Mary Cooper, a resident of New Jersey, found a book that her grandfather checked out from the library in 1926 – 99 years ago. She returned it. CNN writes about it.
The book about creating children’s toys from wood, metal, and household items was published in 1911. Tilton Cooper’s grandfather borrowed it from the library a year before his death. The woman assumed he wanted to make something for his daughter, Mary’s mother.
Although Mary Cooper has no personal memories of her grandfather because he died before she was born, her mother often told stories about Tilton. He made toy wooden sailboats for her mother, which he later donated to the Bay Head Historical Society in New Jersey.
Ms. Cooper returned the book to the library, hoping it would be accepted. However, she was also afraid she would be charged a late fee, which could have been as high as $18,000.
Ten library employees came to look at the book and were very happy to see it back. The book was part of an exhibition of memorabilia in Toms River; all visitors can see it.
