Past due library book ‘Forgotten Submarine’ finally returned 60 YEARS LATE

By Ed Cullinane via SWNS

A library book called 'Forgotten Submarine' has finally been returned to a library - over sixty YEARS late.

The book was found by Jill Davies on the side of the road in her hometown of Portsmouth in 1957.

She decided to read it before returning it but never did - and recently found while decluttering during lockdown.

The story by Arthur Catherall is a children's book about a British spy's attempt to salvage a Japanese submarine in World War Two.

Writing to Portsmouth City Council, Jill said: "As an avid reader, there was no way I was going to return the book until I had read it - which I did, and thoroughly enjoyed.

"But the one thing I never got around to doing was taking it to the library.

"Covid lockdowns have led to my decluttering and minimizing generally, and a radical cull of my books.

"At the back of a dusty shelf, I discovered this vastly overdue novel.

"Over the past sixty-four years it (along with about a thousand other books) has moved from Gosport to Southsea, back to Gosport again, and eventually to London, but I now feel it’s time for it to make the return journey home."

Portsmouth City Council has scrapped all overdue library fines to help encourage people to return to the library.

Cllr Ben Dowling, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development, said: "I'm delighted Jill has got in contact with us to return the book.

"I hope this story inspires others to rediscover their library and not be afraid of any previous fines.

"Portsmouth libraries welcomes everyone who lives, works or studies in the city, and the team are more than happy to help with any questions or concerns."