AI Generated Image
A book found bricked in a fireplace is returned to an Australian library, 150 years overdue
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- A book titled "Antiquities of Athens," published in 1858 and borrowed from Kiama Library in Australia, was returned about 150 years late after being found bricked into a fireplace during home renovations.
- The book was discovered by Ross Simmons, who believes his great-great-grandfather borrowed it shortly after the library opened in 1872, though library records from that time are missing.
- The overdue fine, calculated based on the original 1870s fee of three pence per week, would amount to approximately 28,000 Australian dollars ($19,500) today, but no fine is being pursued.
- Historical library rules required borrowers to return books and pay overdue debts before borrowing more, and restricted lending based on household literacy and intoxication, reflecting the era's social norms.
- The library plans to keep the returned book in its local history collection and will not lend it out again to prevent another prolonged absence.
