Book returned to Shrewsbury Library - more than 50 years overdue
Better late than never, a book has been returned to Shrewsbury Library an amazing 53 years overdue!
It the library staff had applied the current level of fines to the book that was taken out in 1969 the borrower would be facing a wallet-busting fine of £4,156.50.
Library assistant Marina Rees gratefully accepted the book from the man on Monday this week.
Speaking on social media she said: "We're really pleased that it's returned to the library.
"A man came in and said 'I have a rather overdue book to return.
"I opened it and the date I found was in the book was 1969 which is a lot overdue
"We worked out that if we had to fine him with the current fines as we do £4,156.50 which is a lot."
Ms Rees added: "Obviously we didn't fine him."
Back on the return date of Wednesday, May 14, 1969 the book, called "One-family housing: Solutions to an urban dilemma" cost £20 to buy. It is described as a "well-illustrated and fascinating guide to mid-1960s low-cost housing developments"
But Ms Rees said the hardback volume on such a niche subject it is now listed on Amazon at £103.
It has lots of drawings on homes and architecture of the time and was rediscovered when the borrower, a man who now lives in London, found it when sorting through belongings.
What else happened on May 14, 1969
Abortion and contraception were legalised in Canada
Last Chevrolet Corvair was built
Get Back by The Beatles with Billy Preston was number one in the UK
What else was yet to happen in 1969?
The Moon landings - July 1
Woodstock Music and Art Fair - August 15
