U.S. returns books to Toronto library two hundred years later

The Americans are overdue on their Toronto Public Library books by about 200 years.

In a symbolic ceremony on Sunday, two visitors from the state of New York reminded the city about a forgotten war casualty — a pile of books stolen from the city's only library on April 27, 1813, according to the Toronto Public Library.

Tally the late fees!

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The books were returned by the site manager for the Sackets Harbor, New York battlefield historical site, Constance Barone, along with other delegates, according to the Toronto Star. The Americans launched the Battle of York from Sackets Harbor two centuries ago.

American soldiers looted the city, which was then called York, taking with them a selection of library books.

Those books were packed up and returned to Canada after the battle but by then, York no longer had a library, according to the story. The literary damage was done.

On Sunday, the Americans offered books in a symbolic reconciliation, including The Works of Dr. Jonathan Swift and Fordyce's Sermons to Young Women, according to the Star.

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This weekend's 200 year anniversary marked a battle the British lost badly to the Americans. That didn't stop Toronto from celebrating with gusto at a ceremony and a commemorative walk through the city to Fort York.

In Canada, we lose with style.