Book finally returned to library 44 years overdue

A book has finally been returned to a library – 44 years overdue.

The hardback, titled Great Prime Ministers, was written by John Whittle.

It was last checked out of the library on 30 June 1979.

However, it never made its way back to Manningtree Library, Essex on time.

But almost four-and-half decades later, the book turned up.

Before this, it had only been checked out of the library four times.

Although it has been missing for 44 years, it appears to be in good nick.

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At the time it was taken out Margaret Thatcher had just replaced James Callaghan in No 10.

There have been eight PMs since – John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown then David Cameron.

Before the book was returned Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak were in Downing Street.

It was unclear whether any fines had been issued for the overdue return.

The non-fiction book was first published in 1966.

Currently, a new copy costs £9.80 on Amazon.

A spokesperson for Essex Libraries said: “What an amazing find from staff at Manningtree Library.

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“A customer returned a book that was 44 years overdue!

Can anyone top this?”

READ MORE: Overdue book returned to library after 119 years