Library book 135 years overdue

A BOOK which went missing from a county council library 135 years ago was today back in its rightful place on the shelf.

The book, De Naturis Rerum, which was borrowed from Stafford Library in 1863, was discovered in the library of the University of Chicago. Since it was borrowed it has accrued a fine of more than pounds 4,000, but Staffordshire's libraries committee agreed to waive the fee.

Yesterday Staffordshire University librarian Kevin Ellard acted as postman to return the book on behalf of colleagues in the United States.

The book, which is described as the "Chronicles and Memorials of Great Britain and Ireland during the Middle Ages", was published by Longmans.

Library committee chairman Joyce Merry said: "I would encourage people to return books more promptly than this, but it is a pleasure to have our book back."