A LIBRARY-USER from Darlington says he has been left out-of-pocket after the library lost a book he borrowed.

John Auton was fined £13 and is now demanding an apology.

He borrowed Web Graphics in Easy Steps from the library, in Crown Street, last month and returned it soon after.

But three weeks later, he was sent a letter telling him to bring the book back or face a fine.

Mr Auton, 56, of Marshall Street, spent an hour and a half searching his house for the book but he could not find it. So he paid the library £10.99 for the book and a £2.28 fine.

However, returning to the library a few weeks later he says he found the book on the shelves. When he pointed out the serial numbers matched the library admitted it had made a mistake, he said.

But when Mr Auton asked for a refund it was refused and instead library bosses gave him the book in question.

Mr Auton said: "They did not apologise to me and I am angry because it was their mistake in the first place. I don't want the book, I already have my own copy."

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said: "The library policy is lost books must be paid for and any overdue fines paid.

"Our policy is no refund is given and the book remains the responsibility of the individual on their ticket until it is checked back into the library."