150-year-overdue book returned to Australian library; fines waived

A remarkable piece of literary history has resurfaced in Kiama, Australia, with the return of a book on ancient Greek architecture that was borrowed approximately 150 years ago. The volume, titled 'The Antiquities of Athens' and published in 1858, was part of the collection of Kiama's first library, founded in 1872. Its recent return has brought a touch of historical intrigue to the coastal town, located about 120 kilometers south of Sydney.

The book reappeared after a local family discovered it during renovations of their home. It had been hidden for decades inside an old tea chest, concealed behind a fireplace that had long been bricked up. Ross Simmons, a descendant of the family, found the library's stamp while examining the books stored in the chest. He believes the book may have been borrowed by his great-grandfather, John Simmons, who studied in London in the 19th century and had a career linked to architecture and construction before emigrating to Australia.

While the book shows some water damage, it remains in good condition and features fold-out illustrations of ancient Greek monuments. The library's original rules stipulated a one-month loan period, with a fine of three pence per week for overdue items. Calculating this fine at today's rates would result in a staggering debt of around $28,000 Australian dollars (approximately 18,000 euros). However, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has graciously decided to waive the penalty, expressing gratitude to the family for returning the long-lost volume.

Records from the 1870s are lost, so the library cannot definitively identify who borrowed the book or when. Michelle Hudson, the head of Kiama Libraries, stated that the book will become part of the local studies collection and will no longer be available for loan. She humorously remarked, "We don't want to have to wait another 150 years for it to come back."

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We don't want to have to wait another 150 years for it to come back.