Wandsworth library book returned after 56 years – from a church in Greece

Librarians in Wandsworth’s Putney Library were excited and surprised to see an unexpected delivery this month – a parcel from Greece containing an overdue library book.

Due back on 16 October 1964, the novel ‘Previous Convictions’ by Cyril Connolly was returned with a handwritten note from a Mr Johnson from Athens, who wrote: “This book was in our church library. I’m not responsible for the fine!”

Better Wandsworth Libraries partnership manager  Daniel Andrews said: “While certainly long overdue, this does not constitute a record.  In fact, there are reports of books being returned after 200 years.

“We are delighted to have it back though and thank the gentleman who returned the book.  He need not worry – gone are the days when libraries charged huge fines on late returns.”