Apr 20, 2010

George Washington owes huge library fines

New York City's oldest library says one of its ledgers shows that the nation’s first president has racked up 220 years' worth of late fees on two books he borrowed but never returned.

One of the books was The Law of Nations, which deals with international relations.

The other book was a volume of debates from Britain's House of Commons.


Both books were due on Nov. 2, 1789.

Mark Bartlett, head librarian for the New York Society Library, said the institution isn't seeking payment of the fines, but it would love to get the books back.

The ledger also lists books being taken out by other founding fathers, including Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr and John Jay.

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