On August 30, 2026, Janelle Spann, an employee at John K. King Used & Rare Books in Detroit, found a bottle labeled "picric acid" and dated 1901 while sorting through old bottles. Picric acid is a chemical compound that can be highly explosive in its dry, crystalline form. The bottle contained crystals, raising immediate safety concerns and prompting the need for specialized handling. The discovery led to the involvement of firefighters, hazardous materials specialists, and bomb disposal experts, who secured the area to ensure public safety. The Detroit Fire Department was notified on August 31, and a 350-foot perimeter was established around the bookstore. This precaution resulted in temporary closures of a section of I-75 and an exit from the Lodge Freeway to Howard Street. Bomb squad technicians carefully retrieved the bottle and a second, older chemical container from the premises. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and none of the books were damaged during the operation. The bookstore, which holds more than a million volumes, reopened about thirty minutes later than its scheduled opening time. The bottles were reportedly given to the store more than thirty years ago by a friend of the owner. John K. King Used & Rare Books has been in operation since 1965 and is well-known for its extensive collection of books and the owner’s reputation as a "treasure hunter." The emergency response was based on the assumption that the substance was crystallized picric acid, though no independent chemical analysis has been made public to confirm the substance’s exact nature. The incident highlights the potential dangers of handling old, unmarked chemical containers, even in a setting like a bookstore. While the situation was resolved without incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proper identification and handling of hazardous materials, especially those with historical origins. The store’s staff and owner, however, remain committed to their mission of preserving and sharing rare and unique books, despite the unexpected interruption.