George Washington Owes Library $300,000
The first president has accrued 220 years’ worth of late fees on two books he checked out from -- and never returned to -- a New York library. Washington borrowed “Law of Nations” and a collection of debate transcripts from the British Parliament. He is not expected to repay the debt.
The first president has accrued 220 years’ worth of late fees on two books he checked out from — and never returned to — a New York library. Washington borrowed “Law of Nations” and a collection of debate transcripts from the British Parliament. He is not expected to repay the debt.
Your support matters…BBC:
On 5 October 1789, the first president borrowed two books from what was then the only library in Manhattan – “Law of Nations,” a dissertation on international relations, and a volume of debate transcripts from Britain’s House of Commons.
George Washington did not even bother to sign his name in the borrower’s ledger. An aide simply scrawled “president” next to the title to show who had taken them out.
Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.
You can help level the playing field. Become a member.
Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.
Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.
Book Review
A Review of "Notes on Downtown" by writer, photographer and editor Désirée van Hoek.
“Prison Truth,” underlines the importance of inmates telling their own stories.
A new graphic biography may herald a revival of interest in the most perceptive Marxist critic of his time.
A new book shows how the activist's positions on issues like the Vietnam War and environmental justice helped move civil rights leaders left.
Roslyn Fuller's new book explains how to rescue our government from oligarchy.
A new book explores the legacy of a momentous 1965 debate about race in America.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.