Overdue library book returns to Whitsundays a quarter of a centure late!

A long-lost book, borrowed almost a quarter of a century ago, has made it home.

On Friday morning, staff at the Proserpine Library received a parcel in the mail which ultimately brought the past – back to the present.

Attached to the book, ironically entitled ‘100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef - The Whitsunday Islands’, was a note which read: ‘Hi, I borrowed this book I think around 1988 and forgot to return it because I moved to Victoria, sorry for taking so long to return the book, it’s a good read’ - with no name signed.

Robyn Batman of the Proserpine Library said with no barcode or records dating that far back, the note can never be identified.

“We have absolutely no idea who wrote it. It’s a mystery,” Ms Batman said.

Staff member Nadine Donadelli who was the lucky person to open the mystery package said she was surprised the anonymous person took the time to return the
book.

“I can’t believe it’s come back . . . people wouldn’t usually send it after such a long time,” Ms Donadelli said, “and people would treasure this book.”

The long lost piece of the Whitsundays has been put back into the library’s collection for others in the community to read once again.

The staff however have kept the note.

“We just laughed when we saw it. I told the others (staff) they have to read this!” Ms Donadelli said.