BOOKWORMS have racked up thousands of pounds worth of fines from the city’s libraries.

And French comic books, wok recipes, job hunting advice, and celebrity autobiographies are among thousands of unreturned items.

Brighton and Hove City Council collected more than £80,000 in fines in the last financial year from library fines from errant borrowers.

But figures show that more than £50,000 worth of fines were outstanding at the beginning of July.

The Freedom of Information Act request by The Argus also revealed that a staggering 21,846 items are overdue from across the city’s 15 libraries.

Jubilee library was the busiest, where 13,521 books or items had not been returned as of the beginning of June.

The longest overdue items there were Asterix and the big fight, a French comic book by René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. It has been missing since January 2010.

At Coldean, the autobiography of reality television personality Jade Goody was the longest overdue item, which has been missing since April 2010.

Meanwhile at Patcham, the longest overdue item was the 1976 horror film The Omen, starring Gregory Peck. It has been missing since July 2010.

Council chiefs say library users can only reach £10 in unpaid fines before they are barred from taking out more items.

It prevents borrowers racking up too much debt, and also prevents the library losing stock if a person moves away.

Cllr Emma Daniel said: “We understand how difficult it can be sometimes to remember to return books or pay fines, especially when fines start to build up.

“The most important thing is that people who want to use our libraries can, so I’d urge users who have outstanding books and fines to get in touch and we’ll look at different ways to help, including spreading the cost over a period of time.”

She said borrowers can renew their items online, or call 0303 123 0035 and entering their membership card number and PIN, or calling 01273 290800 during opening hours.

Meanwhile there are now online library systems where borrowers can use BorroxBox, or download audiobooks free without fear of being fined.