George Washington Owes $300,000 in Past Due Book Fines

George Washington Crossing the Delaware River, December 25, 1776
Photo: Emanuel Leutze / Scewing / Wikipedia This famous painting captures the charisma, courage and brilliance of the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and America's First President.

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On 5 October 1789, George Washington, patrician Virginian aristocrat and farmer, former General of the Continental Army and now first President of the newly born United States of America, borrowed two books from the New York Society Library. At that time, the New York Society was the only public library in New York City. President Washington took out "Law on Nations", a tome on international relations, and a volume of debate transcripts from Britain's House of Commons. He did not sign his name in the library ledger; an aide signed 'President' for him.

Rare 1758 Bookplate of the New York Society Library
Photo: Pratt Libraries / Flikr

The famous general and president "who never told a lie", is revealed as human after all. Due on Nov. 2, 1789, these books were never returned and have been accruing late fees ever since. Adjusted for inflation, the fines now amount to $300,000 (£195,000)! Librarians who are digitizing old New York Society Library ledgers recently discovered Washington's accidental 'theft' of two books. The New York Society Library says it will not pursue the fines but would like the books back.

Rare 1780 Bookplate of the New York Society Library
Photo: Pratt Libraries / Flikr

Six residents of New York formed the New York Society Library in 1754; it was the city's first library. Colonial Governor James DeLancey agreed to let the Society use a room in the original City Hall. King George III granted the New York Society a charter in 1772. During the Revolutionary War, the British looted the library and used book paper for musket wadding, or sold stolen books for rum. After Independence, the NYSL served as the first de facto Library of Congress for two years when New York City was the capital of the new country. The 'official' Library of Congress of the United States was created by an act of Congress in 1800. In Washington's era, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton also borrowed books from the New York Society Library as the collection was built up to several thousand volumes.

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