Surely those old newspapers go somewhere

October 4, 2009 9:29 AM

How do I get a copy of a newspaper... that's NOT today's?

This feels like a really stupid question. But..

let's say that I/my friend had her name mentioned in the New York Times last Friday, and in her absentmindedness she never bought a copy that day. And unfortunately her parents read the NYPost and don't buy the Times 'cause it's so expensive.. so they haven't even noticed yet! She wants to send her parents a newspaper clipping (while she could just print the article off the Internet, there's nothing like a nice newspaper clipping that'll yellow over the years, really).

So given that today's Sunday, how can I purchase (or find) a copy of Friday's newspaper? Is this even possible?

posted by The Biggest Dreamer to grab bag (8 comments total)

Here.
posted by mdonley at 9:31 AM on October 4

To purchase a print edition back issue, please call 1-800-543-5380, or fax your request
to 1- 201-750-5340. To purchase bulk copies for retail sale, please call 1-800-535-5031.


from here.
posted by mattybonez at 9:32 AM on October 4

Oh god they're even more expensive..

Thanks for the quick replies! I'm also wondering if there are any less legitimate ways of finding old newspapers, such as hunting the trash bins of newsstands, or finding a treasuretrove of old newspapers at some random warehouse or something like that. But if nothing like that is possible, then I guess I'll just have to order them..
posted by The Biggest Dreamer at 9:57 AM on October 4

What's the date on the paper? I haven't taken out the recycling yet, so there's a chance I might have it and could mail it to you. Let me know!
posted by elmer benson at 9:59 AM on October 4 [1 favorite]

Hi, a local library might have recent back copies, a local university certainly would, whether you could get hold of one would depend on how long they keep them and whether you can persuade them to put one by for you.
posted by biffa at 10:17 AM on October 4

I definitely have Friday's paper and would be happy to mail you the article! Memail me if you'd like it.
posted by Kangaroo at 10:17 AM on October 4 [1 favorite]

The office of the paper often has the last week's papers available for sale at reception or similar, if it's possible for you to get there. Worth calling to find out.
posted by StephenF at 10:37 AM on October 4

Clearly my solution was to find Mefites with the paper in hand and get it sent to me.. haha wow. Thanks for your generosity!

Closing because the answer's pretty much answered! Thanks everyone!
posted by The Biggest Dreamer at 11:08 AM on October 4