Book back in library. . . after 42 years

MOST of us have had to suffer the indignity of stumping up for an overdue book at the local library.

But BBC presenter Mary Blance had held on to a copy of The Adventures of Beowulf for more than just a few extra weeks.

The Shetland-based broadcaster, who presents a radio show about books on BBC Radio Scotland, found the CL Thomson classic hidden away in an old suitcase – more than 42 years overdue.

Stamped inside the cover of the hardback was a return date of ‘29 Dec 1975’. On the opposite page, a notice had been placed by ‘Zetland County Council’ – the archaic name for the island’s local authority.

It warns readers: ‘Books are lent for a period of FOURTEEN (14) DAYS and must be returned not later than the date marked on the date slip.

‘An extension of this period may be granted at the discretion of the librarian if application is made not later than the date on which books are due.

‘Fines may be imposed at the rate of twopence per week or part of a week for any period a book is kept overdue.’

Luckily, Shetland Library decided not to impose the fine for returning the book some 2,200 weeks late.

But the librarians did write on social media: ‘We make that 4,472 old pence which is... £18.63 in new money. We think. But we dinna charge fines now, we expect better of our customers.’