RESIDENTS are being urged to check their homes for overdue books as East Sussex Library Service launches its annual amnesty.

More than a million books were taken out on loan from the county’s libraries in 2023, but unfortunately some have not been returned.

In a bid to recover some of the titles missing, East Sussex Library Service will waive fines until the end of March.

Classic novels by Virginia Woolf and Oscar Wilde, non-fiction books by Mary Berry and Professor Brian Cox and children’s titles by Jacqueline Wilson and David Walliams are among those missing from the county’s libraries.

Cllr Claire Dowling, East Sussex County Council’s lead member responsible for libraries, said: “Our previous amnesty led to the return of hundreds of books, including one due back in 1975, and we hope that we have the same success this year.

“Every year thousands of books fail to make it back to us, meaning others miss out.  We would be grateful if people could take this opportunity to check their bookshelves and bedside tables and return any library books they find, without facing a fine.”

Books can be returned to any East Sussex library during opening hours. Alternatively, most libraries have drop boxes for out of hours returns.

Details of East Sussex libraries, information about renewing library books and access to online library services can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries.