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Australian public library receives book returned 150 years late
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- An Australian library in Kiama received the book “Antiquities of Athens,” published in 1858, returned approximately 150 years late after being found during home renovations.
- The book was discovered inside a tea crate sealed in a fireplace, and the library has no way to identify the original borrower due to lost records from the 1870s.
- The estimated overdue fine, based on historical rates, would be about 28,000 Australian dollars ($19,500), but the library does not intend to pursue payment.
- Library rules from the 1870s required books to be returned and fines paid before borrowing new books, which may explain why the book was never returned until now.
- The book, showing some water damage, will be displayed in the library’s local history collection and will not be lent out again to prevent another long delay.
