Library book is brought back — 39 years late!

STAFF at a Dundee library were stunned when a children’s storybook was returned — 39 years late.

An edition of classic fairytale Cinderella was brought back to Douglas Library this week, having been lent out in 1978.

The book cost 90p at the time of purchase and was first issued by the library in 1976.

It was handed in anonymously to amazed library assistant Helen Clark — having been due back on November 30 1978.

However, library chiefs have said they won’t be pursuing a fine in the “exceptional” circumstances.

These days, the maximum fine is £2 for items which are more than five weeks late.

Jayne Gair, library performance and resources section leader at Leisure and Culture Dundee, said: “The overdue fee may have run into hundreds or even thousands of pounds but thankfully we cap overdues at 20p for one week up to a maximum of £2.

“It’s much easier these days for customers to return their items on time as they can manage their accounts online and are sent email reminders to let them know if their loans are due to be returned.

“In this particular instance, we’re just really pleased to get the book back and won’t be trying to recover the overdue fee. It’s pretty exceptional and not something we see very often.”

Whether or not the book will be lent out again or kept as a piece of library history has not yet been decided.

Jayne added: “We’ve yet to assess the condition of the book and decide whether it will be put back into circulation.

“We do have lots of other lovely colourful copies of Cinderella, so it may have a bit of competition.”

This week’s surprise hand-in at Douglas Library is still a few years short of a world record.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest library fine ever paid for an overdue book was $345.14 (£257.85), for the poetry book Days and Deeds, checked out of the Kewanee Public Library in the US state of Illinois.

The book was handed back 47 years late by Emily Canellos-Simms.

Her mother had been due to return the book on April 19 1955.

Douglas Library staff, from left, Beth Charlett, Catherine Alexander and Helen Clark with the copy of Cinderella.