Quatermass rises again as missing book reappears

But the person who took a copy of science fiction classic Quatermass and the Pit from a Yorkshire library left staff stunned when it was finally returned – almost 45 years late.

The first edition copy was taken out of the library in Dinnington, near Rotherham, on September 24, 1965. It should have been returned 21 days later, on October 15.

But it actually arrived a few days ago, in a parcel delivered by Royal Mail to the new library, which opened in 2000.

Principal library assistant Alison Lawrie, who opened the package, said: "I thought at first it was just a normal return, until I saw the colour of the pages, they were very brown.

"Then I noticed it was an early Penguin book. It was a real surprise, even more so when I looked inside to see the date of return. It still has all the original paperwork inside.

"This includes the label with the library name on it along with the five rules for borrowing books and the date label."

The book includes a script of the classic Quatermass sci-fi BBC TV serial, first broadcast live in the late 1950s and later filmed by Hammer Films.

When the book was borrowed, Dinnington Library was under the control of the old West Riding County Council and old membership records have now been lost.

The parcel had a Sheffield postmark but the borrower's identity looks set to remain a mystery as there was no covering letter.

"Obviously the person did not want us to know who they were," Miss Lawrie said. "It is a fantastic mystery in itself and has become a real talking point.

"It's true that some people like to take their time with a good book but 45 years is an incredible amount of time. Hopefully whoever who sent the book back hasn't been avoiding visiting the library for all these years because of it. It's nice to think that the book has finally found its way home.

"I would really like to know where the book has been living all these years – in a loft or garage, in someone's bedroom or in storage. Other than the natural browning on the pages, it's in unbelievable condition.

"If the person who posted the book back to us wants to come forward, they wouldn't be in any trouble whatsoever."

Indeed, the borrower would only stand to face a fine of 6 because penalties for late returns are capped – but Rotherham Council, which now runs the library, said that was unlikely.