Overdue book returned to library 150 years late: How much is the fine?
A library in Kiama, Australia, recently received a surprising delivery. An original copy of Antiquities of Athens, checked out approximately 150 years ago, was returned to the Kiama Public Library last week. The book was part of the institution’s founding collection, which launched in 1872. Library manager Michelle Hudson confirmed this is the oldest overdue return in the facility’s history.
The volume was discovered by local resident Ross Simmons during home renovations. He found the book inside a tea crate tucked behind a fireplace, where it had remained hidden for over a century. The book shows signs of water damage but remains a significant artifact for the local community.
According to the original loan terms, the book carried a late fee of three British pence per week. When adjusted for inflation, the total penalty would exceed 28,000 Australian dollars, or roughly 19,500 U.S. dollars. However, the library has no plans to collect these funds from the Simmons family.
Historical records from the 1870s suggest the book was likely borrowed by the current owner's great-great-grandfather, John Simmons. At that time, library rules were strict, barring people from borrowing if they arrived intoxicated or if they had unpaid debts. The collection process has changed significantly since then.
The book will now reside in the library’s local history collection rather than circulating again. Hudson stated that the library staff wants to avoid another 150-year wait for its return. This rare piece of local history serves as a reminder of how long some items stay within families before surfacing again.