Residents across Cornwall are being invited to hand back overdue library items during a two-week book amnesty.

Between August 2 and August 14 people will not be charged for returning overdue items at libraries in Cornwall.

The amnesty is taking place at libraries run by Cornwall Council as well as those managed by local town or parish councils.

Whether you were unable to return your items during lockdown or you’ve been accidentally holding onto something for years, now is the perfect time to return it to its rightful place for others to enjoy.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: "We know that the last year has been really difficult for many people and returning library books may not have been their top priority.

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"To celebrate the fact that libraries are now reopening more fully, we want to give people the opportunity to hand these items back without facing any penalties.

"I urge everyone with overdue books to return them during the amnesty and see what else their local library has to offer."

Throughout lockdown there was huge rise in the number of people accessing Cornwall’s online library resources online.

These services remain available to residents. You can sign up to the library service free of charge on the Cornwall Council website.

All Cornwall Libraries have reopened however measures remain in place to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

To keep staff and residents safe, visitors are encouraged to wear face masks if they are able to do so and maintain social distancing.

To see the opening times for your local library go to the libraries page on the Cornwall Council website.