Local library book returns home 53 years late

Local library staff in Westmeath were shocked yesterday after a book was returned to them 53 years late.

The woman attended the Athlone Library yesterday and spoke to staff informing them she had a book that was 'a little overdue'.

Staff were surprised to find the book had been lent out in 1971 from the Longford Westmeath Library service.

The copy of Christy Brown's Down All The Days was in perfect condition according to Paula Leavy McCarthy from the Library service.

Paula described the moment the book returned home:

Speaking on Let's talk, Paula says that it'll now go back into circulation so that the public have a chance to read it.