Overdue library book returned almost 77 years late

A library book borrowed in October 1949 has finally been returned, almost 77 years after it was due back.

The book - The Devil Held the Aces, by Patrick Doncaster - was handed in to a member of Norfolk County Council's mobile library service last week after being found in an attic.

Pictures posted on Facebook showed the book was from the Mile Cross branch in Norwich and was stamped with the date 10 October 1949.

The council said at that time the fine for an overdue book was 1d per week (known then as a penny), which adjusting for inflation is estimated to be £800 today - but it would be waiving the fine on this occasion.

Nowadays the fine for an overdue book taken out by an adult is 20p per day and capped at £5.60 after 28 days.

The rules at the front of this particularly overdue book stated that items were issued for 14 days.

The library spokesperson said two eager readers had reserved the book since its return.

Will Buhler, mobile libraries manager at the council, said: "This return definitely caught us by surprise, but in the very best way.

"We like to think it's had quite the life wherever it's been tucked away, whether that's an attic box or a well-loved bookshelf.

"It's lovely to finally welcome it home."

The wartime work The Devil Held the Aces was the first novel published by author and journalist Doncaster.

The library service said: "This isn't the first time we've had a book returned to us after many years, though."

In 2018, it had a Peter Rabbit book returned that was 49 years overdue.

Shortly after that, it said a book was found under floorboards during a house renovation that had been due in November 1928.

"It really is a good thing we don't charge interest on our fines," they added.

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