Nostalgia: Caught read handed

LIBRARIANS in the Capital got a lot more than they bargained for during a fines amnesty, when a book which was overdue by 50 years was returned.

Despite potentially facing more than £2700 in late fees, local arts writer David Black managed to get off scot-free during the amnesty that saw more than 4000 overdue books returned.

The copy of Goya by Dr Xavier de Salas, which Mr Black first borrowed on September 22, 1962, was returned to the Fine Art Library on George IV Bridge.

The fines amnesty, which coincided with National Libraries Day, has been hailed by city leaders as a great way of getting people to re-visit their local libraries.

Libraries have always been renowned for catering to families and young children, which today’s Book Bug sessions for youngsters prove.

Snoopy was photographed paying a visit to children in the Central Library on George IV Bridge in May 1976.

The over-sized cartoon character was visiting as part of a Book Bang promotion.

Librarians Lisa McDowell and Gillian Downie were caught on camera reading and acting out books for youngsters at Lanthorn Library in Livingston in April 1992.

But libraries are not just for children. Crowds flocked to a book sale in Edinburgh’s McDonald Road Library in June 1987 where 10,000 books were up for grabs at significantly reduced prices.

Edinburgh’s specialist libraries are also a great attraction.

Founded in 1984, the Scottish Poetry Library was originally located in Tweeddale Court, off the Royal Mile.

A photograph taken there in March 1988 shows a group of poets gathered outside at the launch of an exhibition.