Book finally returns to Athlone Library after 53 years

A book has finally been returned to Athlone Library and, remarkably, it was no less than 53 years overdue.

"Today someone returned this book to Athlone Library, 53 years overdue. Good thing we don't do late fines anymore!" Westmeath Libraries posted online yesterday.

The book in question was 'Down All The Days' written by acclaimed Dublin writer Christy Brown, whose autobiography 'My Left Foot' was made into a Oscar-winnning film starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

Published in 1970, 'Down All The Days' became an international best-seller and was translated into 14 languages. Brown, who was also a talented painter, suffered from a severe form of cerebral palsy which meant he was only able to write or type with the toes of one foot.

Perhaps an Athlone reader enjoyed the book so much that they didn't wish to part company with it, or maybe they had completely forgotten it was in their possession.

In any case, while we all know how hard it can be to remember to return library books on time, 53 years will take some beating!