Book returned to Yorkshire library 36 years overdue - with cheeky note inside

Staff were shocked to receive a package containing a copy of ‘Our beautiful homeland: York’ by I.P Pressly which was borrowed in 1981.

A note from the person, annonymously, returning the book reads: “Sorry it’s 36 years overdue. Under 18 when borrowed so no fine to pay!”

The long loan happened at the Pocela Centre, in Pocklington, Yorkshire.

Under the library fines guidance on the East Riding’s website of 50p per week, the overdue fee could have been as much as £936.

However the maximum fine is capped at £10 and with the person being under 18 at the time no fees are issued.

The book, with illustrations by Leonard Squirrell , was published in 1950.

Customer Service Centre supervisor Colleen Gurdiel said : “It came in the post, it really made us all smile - a good start to the day.”

A spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “It was returned in the post, anonymously, with a note to our team at the Pocklington Multi -Service Centre.”