Book returned to Australian library 150 years late

The library in Kiama, Australia, has welcomed back a rare book, "The Antiquities of Athens," a full 150 years after it was initially borrowed. The book, published in 1858, had been missing since the mid-1870s. Remarkably, the substantial overdue fine, which would have amounted to around 28,000 Australian dollars today, has been waived.

Michelle Hudson, the library manager, expressed her delight, stating the book has found a "meaningful place where it can be shared with the world." The book was discovered during a house renovation 30 years ago by Ross Simmons, a 77-year-old history enthusiast. He found it had been placed in a tea chest and later covered by a fireplace.

Simmons discovered the library's stamp inside the front cover. He believes his great-grandfather, John Simmons, a stonemason with a keen interest in architecture, originally borrowed the book as a reference for his work, including the construction of Kiama's sandstone church. The book, featuring 70 illustrations, will now be a prized item in the library's collection, though it will not be available for general borrowing. Visitors have already traveled to see the lightly moisture-damaged volume.