Library book 80 years overdue returned (From This Is Local London)

Library book 80 years overdue returned

8:20am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Bizarre By Olivia Cottrell

A library book has been returned 81 years after it was borrowed.

The book, Families Repaired, by popular crime novelist JS Fletcher, was posted anonymously to Thornton Heath Library on January 20, with an anonymous note apologising for the late return.

It was due to be returned on December 16, 1930 and library staff believe it is their oldest returned book.

A library notice inside the volume warns those failing to return on time face a fine of “no more than 40 shillings.”

The anonymous note, dated January 16, that accompanied it said that it had been found among their deceased mother’s possessions and may have been borrowed from Thornton Heath by their father.

Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture and Sport Sara Bashford said: “The book is in fantastic condition, although the pages I read seemed very peculiar.”

The total fine for Families Repaired would be £2190 (20p per day every year), although due to the historic value of the book- and the fact that it is £2185 over the modern day maximum fine of £5 - Croydon Libraries has decided to waive it.