Children's book returned - 64 years overdue

AN overdue book has found its way back to Rugby Library - nearly 64 years after it was supposed to be returned.

The copy of The Adventures of Pinocchio was handed back during a week-long fines amnesty.

And librarians were astonished to find the return date for the book was December 31, 1950.

The library charges 18p a day for overdue books, but they are capped at £5.22. Ahead of the amnesty it was one of around 500 unreturned books.

When the book was issued, it was the year in which the Princess Royal was born as was TV presenter Jeremy Paxman.

The England football team made its first appearance at a World Cup finals, held, coincidentally in Brazil; India became a republic, Listen with Mother was launched and Sainsbury’s opened the first purpose-built supermarket in Croydon.

Area librarian Joanna Grindle said: “During my 34 years as a librarian I have never known a book to be that overdue.

"It is amazing to think how much the library has changed since the book was taken out in 1950.

"Today we have computerised self-service machines, people can download our ebooks to a mobile device and we have a vibrant programme of events.

"Of course, I’m pleased to say we have plenty of other Pinocchio books in our children’s section so I don’t think anyone missed out!"

The week-long fines amnesty was launched on National Libraries Day Saturday, February 8.

Coun Colin Hayfield said: "We are pleased after all this time the borrower felt that they could return the book.

"We always wanted to use the fines amnesty to welcome people back who haven’t visited us for a while and we hope the borrower is enjoying our services again."

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