Overdue library book turns up 123 YEARS late… but woman who returned it doesn’t have to pay £4,500 fine

By
Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 7:38 PM on 30th December 2011

A library book that’s 123 YEARS overdue has been unearthed at an historic Lake District home.

The Victorian miscellany Good Words for 1888 was borrowed from the Troutbeck Institute library shortly after it was first published. But was never returned.

It sat on the fireside shelf at Townend House in Troubeck, home to the wealthy Browne family ever since. It was discovered by chance by staff at the National Trust, which now owns the building.

The Victorian book 'Good Words For 1888', borrowed from a parish library in Troutbeck, Cumbria 123 years ago could be the longest ever library loan

The Victorian book ‘Good Words For 1888’, borrowed from a parish library in Troutbeck, Cumbria 123 years ago could be the longest ever library loan

The library from which it was borrowed no longer exists, and the book could be the longest-ever library loan in Britain.

Cumbria libraries now cap their book fines at £6. Otherwise the total payable, at 10p a day, would be a hefty £4,489.50.

Katrina Zanhak, custodian of Townend House, which has been a National Trust property since 1948, said: ‘It would have quite a fine on it by now. I think it’s a huge amount of time for a library book to be overdue. The Institute still has a collection of books, I wonder if they know it is missing?’

The thick bound 860-page tome Donald MacLeod by with stories on subjects as diverse as Darwinism to caravanning for pleasure was donated to the Troutbeck Institute library by a Miss Edmondson and borrowed by the Browne’s shortly afterwards.

Ms Zanhak said she was surprised it had not been returned by the family at the time because they were known for their love of books and had a 1,500 book library of their own.

Katrina Zanhak, custodian of Townend House holding the book unearthed at an historic Lake District home

Katrina Zanhak, custodian of Townend House holding the book unearthed at an historic Lake District home

‘George Browne who lived at the house with his wife and three daughters at the time was an extremely keen reader and I would not expect them to forget to take something back,’ she said. ‘If it was him, he has been very naughty.’

John Wharton, secretary treasurer of Troutbeck Institute for 40 years, said they wouldn’t be asking for the book back any time soon.

He said: ‘I don’t think we will need it back. I don’t think anyone even looks at our books any more, they are just there for old times’ sake.’

In 2010 Kendal Library revealed its longest overdue book was borrowed by a six-year-old boy in June, 1993 and is now 18 years late. The book was ironically a copy of Anthony Browne’s title I Like Books.

Here’s what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts,
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Is this a public library, funded by taxpayer money? If so I am apalled that they get to waive a £4500 fee while still expecting me to pay for this! It’s disgusting. Typical example of the wasteful public services. They should charge the fine to the kids or grandkids of whoever borrowed it! ………………………………………. 🙂
– Mike, Liverpool, 31/12/2011 13:19
So many red arrows. I see no one understands subtle sarcasm…

” £4,500 fine ” How many groats would that be?
– Philip, Bankrupted Britain, 31/12/2011 14:09Approx 150,000

If you claim to have ‘lost’ the book,you are required to cover the cost(to the library) at the time of purchase…If it was donated???

” £4,500 fine ” How many groats would that be?

Is this a public library, funded by taxpayer money? If so I am apalled that they get to waive a £4500 fee while still expecting me to pay for this! It’s disgusting. Typical example of the wasteful public services. They should charge the fine to the kids or grandkids of whoever borrowed it! ………………………………………. 🙂

Oh don’t be so stupid. Grow up.
– David, Notts, 31/12/2011 10:29
Ha ha, well said David!!

DIG EM UP AND DEMAND PAYMENT!

Where will today’s “electronic books” be 123 years from now?
– The History Man, France, 31/12/2011 09:50.
Sadly in a landfill somewhere.

“Of course no fine is due . It was borrowed by a wealthy family . In uk the wealthy have never paid . That is for the working class
– g brewis”
Oh don’t be so stupid. Grow up.

Where will today’s “electronic books” be 123 years from now?

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