A set of library books borrowed more than a century ago by Walter Griffith Owen has been returned after 116 years. The books were originally checked out in 1910, when Owen was a teenager, from a public library in Llanrwst, North Wales.

Accompanying the books was a note indicating that if the items were retained beyond the initial loan period, a fine of one penny per week would apply, with renewal requests to be made to the caretaker. Based on the extended overdue period, Owen would have owed a penalty equivalent to 6,032 pennies—approximately £25 in today’s currency.

The books date back to 1884 and were part of a donation from industrialist Benjamin Armitage in the 1890s to the Conwy Libraries, which serve the local area. Owen’s grandson, identified only as Mr O’Sullivan, returned the collection in June, and the library waived any fines.

Conwy Libraries staff expressed enthusiasm about handling the historic books and noted their connection to the family’s legacy. Walter Griffith Owen later served in the First World War and contributed to the construction of the Mulberry Harbour during the Second World War, further highlighting his ties to the local community.

The return of the books after more than a century marks a rare and noteworthy event in library history, illustrating both the enduring nature of physical media and the personal stories intertwined with public collections.