Blackpool library book returned after 45 years 'a bit late'

The book was 16,683 days overdue when it was returned

A woman who returned a library book after more than 45 years has apologised for it being "a bit late".

Blackpool Libraries said the copy of Tolkien's World was taken out by an unnamed woman in 1978 for three weeks.

Blackpool Central Library's Fiona Davies said the borrower recently stumbled across the tome about author JRR Tolkien's works while clearing out her home.

The library assistant said the woman had sheepishly apologised for lateness.

"I was shocked to see the date," she said.

"I was still at primary school then."

She said the lady "returned the book and said 'sorry, it's a bit late'".

"I said it's a good job we don't have fines any more."

The woman apologised for returning the book "a bit late"

Ms Davies said the woman worked in a nearby branch of Woolworth's and would regularly visit the library for "a stack of books" on her lunch break.

"When Woolies closed, she brought them all back - or so she thought," she said.

"But while doing some sorting recently she found it hiding."

She said at the time the book was taken out, there were fines of 1p per day for overdue returns but libraries in the town stopped fining people in April 2019.

A library representative said anyone else who had a similarly overdue book did not need to worry about repercussions.

"We don't fine customers for late books at Blackpool Libraries, even if it's been decades.

"Please rest assured, if you've been avoiding us because you lost a book back in 1976, we're not scary and you're not in trouble, we promise."

They added that they wanted to say a "big thank you" to the woman for returning the book, as it "certainly brightened up our day".