Overdue book returned to Massachusetts library after over 70 years Published On Bob Alvarez, 63, found the books in the basement of his Methuen home SOMERVILLE (AP) — A Massachusetts man has returned long overdue books that were checked out in the 1920s and 1930s to the Somerville Public Library. Bob Alvarez, 63, found the books in the basement of his Methuen home in a wooden box, The Boston Globe reported on Thursday. The books were stored in a wooden box in the attic of the family’s Somerville home until it was sold in 2010. Alvarez moved the box and other items into his basement and never examined the contents until June.