Conan Doyle's 'The Refugees' Returned to Helsinki Library After 84 Years

In a remarkable turn of events, a copy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel 'The Refugees' has been returned to Helsinki's Oodi Central Library, 84 years after it was borrowed in 1939. The book, which was due back on December 26, 1939, has finally made its way back to the library, astonishing staff and patrons alike.

The book was borrowed by a businessman from the Pursimiehenkatu area of Helsinki just before the outbreak of the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union on November 30, 1939. This historical context adds a layer of intrigue to the book's long path back to the library.

The person who returned the book is not the original borrower, and the reasons for its return after such a long period remain unclear. Interestingly, the book was returned with the original borrower's library card, leading staff to believe that the borrower was indeed the businessman from Pursimiehenkatu.

Librarian Heini Strand commented on the situation, saying, 'The one who returned the book didn't tell - and we didn't ask - what was their relation to the one who originally loaned the book.' She also mentioned that such returns of overdue books, often found among the belongings of deceased relatives, happen occasionally.

Despite its age, the book is in exceptionally good condition. The library is considering making it available to current readers, especially given its historical significance as a survivor of the Russian invasion of Finland. Librarian Siina Tiuraniemi emphasized the library's mission, stating, "Our purpose is not to guard the books, we are here to promote reading and enable access to books and knowledge to everyone."

Interestingly, this is not the longest overdue book to be returned in Finland. In 2015, Helsinki's Pukinmäki Library received another Conan Doyle novel that was 87 years overdue. A similar case in the UK saw a book returned to Coventry Library in 2022, also 84 years late, with a fine calculated at £18.27, highlighting the importance of late returns.

The maximum penalty for an overdue book at the Helsinki library is €6 ($6.50), but no fine is being levied in this case since the book was no longer in the library's system. The library's system has changed many times since the book was initially borrowed.

The returned book will be sent to the book storage of Helsinki city library's main library in Pasila, where staff will decide whether to add it to the collection. The library already has two copies of 'The Refugees' in its collection, but the historical significance of this particular copy may warrant its inclusion.

The return of 'The Refugees' after 84 years not only highlights the enduring relevance of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work but also emphasizes the vital role libraries play in preserving and promoting literary heritage.

Key Takeaways

• A copy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Refugees" returned to Helsinki's Oodi Central Library 84 years overdue.
• The book was borrowed in 1939, just before the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union.
• The original borrower's library card was returned with the book, but the current returner's relation to the borrower is unknown.
• The book is in good condition and may be added to the library's collection due to its historical significance.
• This is not the longest overdue book returned in Finland, with a previous record of 87 years.