In a chance encounter, a Laois library user has reunited a missing book with its library.

A Portlaoise library user was enjoying her holiday in sunny Spain, when she came across a copy of 'The Happy Couple' by Naoise Dolan.

While skimming through the book, the Laois local noticed that there was a property notice inside the cover: this novel belonged to Enniscorthy library!

The Laois woman brought the book home with her from Spain, intending to return it to its rightful owners.

Portlaoise library worker Aoife Kaye accepted the book from the local lady, and told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about the tale.

Pictured: the book and note from Portlaoise library to Enniscorthy library. Photo: Enniscorthy Library

"A lady came into the library one morning late October to return her own books, and mentioned that she found a book when she was on holiday in Spain," Ms Kaye explained.

"Thankfully with our national intercounty delivery service, we sent the book back to Wexford libraries. We thought it was very funny that the book was found abroad and wanted to let Wexford know!" she said.

Enniscorthy library was delighted to see the return of the book.

"We had a little surprise in this week's delivery as we discovered one of our library books had taken a little holiday abroad!" they said.

"This adventurous book was discovered in Spain and returned by a kind patron to our lovely colleagues in Laois Libraries, having completed an unexpected round trip across Europe.

We're so grateful to everyone who helped this literary explorer find its way back to our shelves! And if you ever find a library book while abroad, remember - they're always welcome home," the library finished.

This is not the only unusual experience that Portlaoise library has had- in May of 2023, a book was returned by a library user after 47 years. Thankfully, return fines have been abolished! Read more on the story here.

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