Overdue notices didn’t seem to reach a former UW student who failed to return a library book that was due for more than a century.

Ralph Day Major checked out Antigone by Sophocles while studying theology at the university and was scheduled to return it March 5, 1909. Katie Dale, his great niece, retuned the book to Suzzallo Library yesterday exactly 100 years to the day from the book’s original due date.

“It’s nice to be part of something that’s passed on through generations,” said Dale, a graduate of Western Washington University. “It’s something we’ll all remember.”

Dale’s uncle, John Emel, inherited the book in a collection that was passed down by his parents. His mother received the novel from her brother, Major.

“It was one of those instances where I was going through a number of volumes, and I noticed the University of Washington due date and thought, ‘This should go back,’” Emel said. “I’ve had overdue library books myself but never any that were 100 years old.”

Emel enlisted the help of his sister and niece, who live in the state, to return the book when he noticed that it belonged to the UW.

“We just thought it was fascinating,” said Katie’s mother, Barbara Emel. “It was fun to find a book of great literature and be able to return it.”

Major was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and became a minister after graduating from the UW in 1912. As far as Suzzallo technical professional Chrissie Chang can recall, he holds the university’s record for the longest overdue library book.

“I think that seeing people still committed to returning items so that they are available to the public, even after 100 years, is exciting,” said Chang, who works in Suzzallo’s circulation department. “It will go to our selectors, and they will determine if it’s an item that should still be a part of our collection.”

At the current rate of 50 cents per day, the fine for the overdue book would exceed $18,000. Fortunately for Dale, the library isn’t holding her accountable for the fee.

“I had my niece return it so I wouldn’t have to pay the late fees,” John Emel joked.

Reach editorial assistant Lexie Krell at news@dailyuw.com.