Cambridgeshire Libraries have started an initiative appealing for the return of missing books.
The county council's library service discovered the 'Where's Wally' series accounts for the highest number of missing titles across the Cambridgeshire libraries.
With more than 150 copies of the series, including Where's Wally?, Where's Wally? in Hollywood, and Where's Wally now? – by author and illustrator Martin Hanford – listed among missing titles, it tops the list of books that the county council's library staff want to recover.
In total, more than 11,000 books are on the missing list, but this is only a small dent in the more than 600,000 in stock.
🔎 Do you know where Wally is? Cambridgeshire Libraries are appealing for residents help.
— Cambridgeshire County Council (@CambsCC) October 30, 2023
📚 The 'Where’s Wally’ series accounts for the highest number of missing titles across Cambridgeshire Libraries - with more than 150 copies of the series listed among missing titles. pic.twitter.com/ZKvLplaWIe
The vast number of missing titles are for children or young adults, for which no fines are charged, so staff are keen to highlight that and appeal for them to be returned, with no questions asked.
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"Last week, we launched our BeWinterWise campaign to join up all the activities, events and advice to keep people safe, well and active during the winter months," said Cllr Tom Sanderson, chair of the communities, social mobility and inclusion committee. 
"And clearly, all the activities you find in our libraries are really important to that as the nights draw in and people can feel lonely and isolated.
"It's free to join the library, and we really invest in making sure there is a good stock of items, activities for all and longer opening times in many.
"So please, if you have one of our missing books on your shelves – return it so that other borrowers can enjoy it too.
"Particularly if it is a Where's Wally title!" he added.
Top ten missing titles from Cambridgeshire Libraries
Title - number currently missing:
- Where's Wally? - 32
- Where's Wally? In Hollywood - 32
- Horrid Henry reads a book - 29
- Horrid Henry reads a book (different edition) - 29
- DogZombies Rule (for now) - 28
- Where's Wally Now? - 27
- Maisie Goes to London - 24
- Pokemon Adventures 3 - 24
- The Queen's Hat - 24
- Wake up do, Lydia Lou - 24
In addition, there are 21 copies each missing of Where's Wally? The Fantastic Journey, and Where's Wally?: The Wonder Book.
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