In July of 1899, “The Early Work of Aubrey Beardsley,” was added to the collection of the Worcester Public Library. The book, a compilation of illustrations by a British artist and poet, remained in the collection until 1973, when it was checked out ...

The book was added to Worcester Public Library’s collection in 1899. Then in 1973, it was checked out and never returned.

The Worcester Public Library recently had an unusual surprise — the return of a book more than half a century overdue. Checked out in 1973, the book finally returned to the library late this year. Library officials believe it was discovered by a Boston resident cleaning out a relative’s belongings.