Jonathan Lee returns library book 50 years overdue, offers apology with his own books

A FORMER Kyrtonian visited Crediton Library on Friday, August 21 to return a library book he borrowed, 50 years ago to the day!

At the age of six, Jonathan Lee borrowed the children’s book entitled amusingly “The Real Thief” by William Steig, on August 21, 1976.

Inside, it is stamped with the date it was borrowed.

It tells the story of a loyal goose which is accused of stealing from the royal treasury.

It is an appealing story for talking about ethics with young people.

Jonathan, now a journalist, scriptwriter, broadcaster and author, said it was only recently that he found he still had the book and decided that 50 years to the day was an appropriate date to return it.

He was welcomed by William Mearns, Crediton Library First Assistant, and not only returned to him the borrowed book, but also some of his own penned books.

Jonathan gave the Library “Fifty Great Escapes”, A Global Guide to Creativity, plus “50 Great Adventures”, Extraordinary Places and the People who Built Them, plus a signed script from a play he co-wrote “The Rotherford Gold”.

Jonathan said: “The book I borrowed got lost in various house moves and I decided to bring it back exactly 50 years after its return ‘due date’.”

“I brought my books as a way of apology.”

He added: “There has never been a more important time for libraries to exist. I think they are essential for community cohesion.

“They have transformed themselves since I was a young nipper when I took that book out.

“Now they are community hubs offering a real sense of vibrancy and used by the whole community.

“It is so important to get lost in books and for young people to escape social media and algorythms.

“Devon Library Service has retained 50 odd libraries, long may they live.”