Overdue book returned to Devon library 31 years late

• Crediton Library supervisor Sue Lee speaks to ITV News West Country

An overdue book has been returned to a Devon library - 31 years after it was checked out.

Children’s book Thomas’s ABC was anonymously sent to Crediton Library in the post in December 2024.

Staff said the mystery sender left no note or explanation for the book’s sudden return, but it was originally due back by March 25th 1993.

Sue Lee, Library Supervisor, joked it was a good thing fines are capped.

“We stopped issuing fines after Covid in order to encourage more children to get into reading,” she said.

“But, even before that, we capped our fines so they wouldn’t be more than £4.20.

“Thirty one-and-a-half years is very unusual. It just arrived in the post - no note or anything.”

Sue added no other library in Devon has reported having a book missing for this amount of time.

But due to its age and condition, Sue said it’s unlikely it will be available to rent anytime soon.