Book on prime ministers is returned to English library 44 years late: 'Can anyone top this?'
Returned book was in 'surprisingly good condition' even after being out of the library for over 40 years
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A library in England insists there are no hard feelings after a book was recently returned 44 years after it was due — and is just glad to have the copy back.
The book, "Great Prime Ministers" by John Whittle, was originally due back at the Essex County library's Tiptree location on June 30, 1979.
It was not returned until 2024, at the Manningtree Library – another branch of the Essex Library Service.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}PINK FLOYD'S ‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’ RETURNS TO MARYLAND LIBRARY 35 YEARS LATE
"What an amazing find from staff at Manningtree Library," the Essex Library wrote in an Instagram post on Jan. 14, 2024.
"A customer returned a book that was 44 years overdue!"
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The book was initially due in the 1970s – and wasn't returned until 2024. (Essex Library Service)
Asked the library with a laughing emoji, "Can anyone top this?"
Despite the nearly four-and-a-half decades since the book was due, the library system is just happy it is back.
NEW YORK LIBRARY RECEIVES AN OVERDUE BOOK NEARLY 90 YEARS LATER
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Staff at Manningtree Library were pleasantly surprised when this title was returned," a spokesperson for the Essex Library Service told Fox News Digital.
The book was in "surprisingly good condition" for its age, the spokesperson also said.
LIBRARY RECEIVES OVERDUE BOOK FROM 47 YEARS AGO, ALONG WITH ANONYMOUS NOTE AND A SURPRISE
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It also does not seem as if there would be any fines levied against the person who originally checked out the book.
"The customer was encouraged to rejoin and use the library again," said the spokesperson for the Essex Library Service.
Margaret Thatcher, left (shown here with Henry Kissinger), was prime minister of the United Kingdom at the time the book "Great Prime Ministers" was checked out of the Tiptree Library in Essex, England. (Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
Since the late 1970s, the libraries of the Essex Library Service have "changed significantly," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}NEW JERSEY MAN RETURNS BORROWED BOOK TO HIS LIBRARY 75 YEARS LATE
"We now offer everything from e-books and computer facilities to meeting rooms, events and activities for all ages," the spokesperson said.
Tiptree, where the book was first checked out, is a village located about 50 miles northeast of London. It is located in the county of Essex. (Google Maps)
What has not changed in that time, however, is that "libraries remain at the heart of their communities."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
"Library staff are still very happy to give a warm welcome to all new and existing members. So, please visit your local library – the best thing is that it is still free to join," said the spokesperson.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Since the time "Great Prime Ministers" was originally due back at the library, the United Kingdom has had nine additional prime ministers.
So while the book is still in relatively good shape — it is quite out of date for any modern reader.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.1eye.us/lifestyle.