NAVAN LIBRARY had a piece of its history returned to it last weekend when a mystery borrower returned a book that was originally taken out in 1932.
The book, which was returned 80 years late, built up a fine of over €4,000 by the time it was popped through the library’s letterbox.
Meath county librarian Ciaran Mangan said he was shocked when he found the book in the library’s hallway. ‘‘It was an item that had been out on loan effectively since it was published and put into stock and the system in 1932. We’re delighted to see it back.’’
Based on the original 1930s fine of one penny per week, the librarian calculated that the book had incurred fines of €4,160.
There are no details on the original borrower because the library’s computerised records only date back to 1994.
The book is a 31st International Eucharistic Congress pictorial record, a photographic account of the last time the congress was held in Dublin in 1932.
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress takes place in Dublin next month.