In July of 1899, the Worcester Public Library welcomed 'The Early Work of Aubrey Beardsley' into its collection. This book, a compilation of illustrations by the British artist and poet, remained in the library until 1973 when it was checked out and never returned.
Recently, a Boston resident returned the book to the Cambridge Public Library to prevent it from being discarded. Library staff noticed the original due date of May 22, 1973, and promptly sent it back to Worcester with a note from Kathy Penny, manager of collections at Cambridge Public Library, stating, 'Returning to its rightful home, 51 years later.'
