East Sussex Libraries continue 'book amnesty'

Libraries across the county are holding an amnesty to help recover missing books.

With nearly 5,000 library books not returned every year, the amnesty is an opportunity for residents to check if they have any overdue titles.

During the amnesty, which runs until 31 March, overdue fees will be waived for any books returned.

Classic novels such as Moby-Dick, or The Whale, by Herman Melville and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte along with War Horse by Michael Morpurgo are amongst the well-known fiction titles that have been out on loan the longest.

Non-fiction books are also missing and a copy of Bill Oddie’s Introduction to Birdwatching is the most overdue adult non-fiction title. Over 70 copies of Roald Dahl’s children’s books are also currently missing.

Books can be returned to any East Sussex library, with many having boxes for out of hours drop offs. 

Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, said: “Our libraries contain many thousands of books which are available for library members to borrow for free.

“Unfortunately, every year many titles fail to make it back to us and if books aren’t returned other people miss out.

“During the amnesty, I urge residents who think they may have an overdue book to look around their homes to see if they can help us recover some of the missing items and allow more people to enjoy them.”