
The book’s lending card shows the last due date as December 31, 1951.
A book borrowed from Naas Library & Cultural Centre in 1951 has finally made its way back - 74 years later.
The long-overdue copy of The Cities of Umbria by Edward Hutton was rediscovered by a library patron who stumbled upon it in their parent's house.
Published in 1906, the book had been loaned out decades ago but never returned - until now.
The book’s lending card shows the last due date as December 31, 1951.
It also includes a reminder about charges for delays.
Despite its lengthy absence, the library staff at Kildare Library Service assured there would be no late fees for the historic return.
"We were stunned to see this return come in," the library shared on social media.
"One of our patrons stumbled upon it in their parent's house."