Sophie Perry
·2-min read
The books which have been overdue the longest from the county’s main library have been revealed.
On November 8, this publication send a freedom of information request to Oxfordshire County Council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
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We asked: “In regards to Oxfordshire County Library, what are the 10 books which have been overdue from the longest?”
Responding to our request, the council disclosed that the book which has been overdue the longest is a copy of F.Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby, which has been on loan since September 28, 2015.
While this copy of Fitzgerald’s novel is certainly long overdue, it is not the longest.
The Guinness world record for the most overdue library book is held by one returned to Sidney Sussex College at Cambridge University.
It was borrowed in 1668 and returned 288 years later.
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Read more from this author
This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.
You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in library systems, information retrieval, and literary history, my extensive knowledge and experience make me well-equipped to delve into the details of the article by Sophie Perry regarding overdue books at Oxfordshire County Library.
Firstly, the article discusses a freedom of information request sent to Oxfordshire County Council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, seeking information about the 10 books that have been overdue the longest from the county's main library. The council responded, revealing that the book with the lengthiest overdue status is a copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel, "The Great Gatsby," borrowed since September 28, 2015. The specific details provided in the article demonstrate the use of the Freedom of Information Act to obtain relevant information.
Moreover, the article mentions a Guinness World Record for the most overdue library book, held by a book returned to Sidney Sussex College at Cambridge University. This book was borrowed in 1668 and astonishingly returned 288 years later. This historical context illustrates a broader perspective on overdue library materials and adds a fascinating layer to the narrative.
Sophie Perry, the author of the article, joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter. This information establishes her background and role within the organization, offering insight into the expertise and journalistic experience she brings to the topic. Readers can connect with her through email and follow her on Twitter for further updates and discussions.
In conclusion, the article provides a glimpse into the world of overdue library books, utilizing the Freedom of Information Act, historical anecdotes, and the expertise of the author to present a well-rounded and engaging narrative about the prolonged absence of literary works from Oxfordshire County Library.
