A 150-year-overdue book resurfaces in an Australian library, found bricked in a fireplace
Library staff said the 1858 volume will join its special collection after an estimated $28,000 overdue bill was waived.
- An Australian library has received a copy of 'Antiquities of Athens' roughly 150 years after it was borrowed. A family discovered the book inside a tea crate bricked into a fireplace during recent home renovations in Kiama.
- Kiama Library manager Michelle Hudson noted the book was likely lost shortly after its 1872 borrowing. The library's original loan records were lost, preventing identification of the final borrower.
- Staff estimate the overdue fine would total $19,500, calculated from the original three pence-a-week fee. Strict 1872 by-laws prohibited intoxicated patrons from borrowing and required proof of reading ability.
- Rather than returning it to circulation, Hudson confirmed the institution will store the book in archival quality boxes. The library will preserve the damaged volume within its Local Studies collection.
- Most recovered items are only 30 to 40 years old during estate cleanouts, so Hudson emphasized this 150-year delay is unprecedented. The library now safeguards such treasures to prevent another century-long absence.
63 Articles
63 Articles
Borrowed 150 years ago, Australian library gets back book. Fine is Rs 18 lakh
The book, published in 1858, covers Greek antiquities and was returned to a library in the coastal town of Kiama last week by a resident named Ross Simmons. He found it inside a tea crate bricked into a sealed fireplace during a home renovation.
In 1870, a book was borrowed from a library in Australia. 150 years later, it was found behind a fireplace
A library book borrowed in the 1870s has returned to Kiama, Australia. It was discovered sealed inside a fireplace during recent home renovations. The overdue fine for the "Antiquities of Athens" book would be substantial. However, the library will not collect any payment from the unknown borrower. The historical book will now be displayed permanently in the local history collection.
Algemeen Dagblad
An Australian librarian must have been surprised when a book was returned. It was handed in 150 years late, reports news agency AP. The fine had mounted up considerably.
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