150-Year Overdue Book Returned to Australian Library

A book borrowed from a public library in the Australian coastal town of Kiama has finally been returned—approximately 150 years after it was due. The volume, Antiquities of Athens, published in 1858, was discovered bricked inside a sealed fireplace during home renovations and handed back to library staff, who described the find as unprecedented.

The Discovery: Hidden in a Fireplace

Kiama resident Ross Simmons stumbled upon the long-lost book while renovating his family home. Inside a tea chest that had been bricked into an old fireplace, he found the water-damaged but still intact copy of Antiquities of Athens. Simmons believes the book was borrowed in the 1870s by his great-great-grandfather, John Simmons, a former local alderman. “I had no idea why my ancestor never returned it,” Simmons told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). “Maybe he just forgot, or perhaps there was some dispute with the library.”

The discovery highlights how family history discoveries in Australia can surface in the most unexpected places, often during routine home improvements.

What Is Antiquities of Athens?

Published in 1858, Antiquities of Athens is a richly illustrated volume featuring 70 black-and-white plates, including fold-out architectural diagrams of ancient Greek monuments. It was the 506th item added to the Kiama Library's original collection when the institution opened its doors in 1872 as part of the Kiama School of Arts. At that time, the library held around 1,000 books, making this volume a significant piece of the town's cultural heritage.

Despite its long entombment, the book remains in remarkably good condition. “It has some water damage, but for a book that spent decades inside a fireplace, it's astonishingly well-preserved,” said library manager Michelle Hudson.

Library Rules and the Astronomical Fine

Inside the book's cover, the original borrowing rules are still legible. Patrons were charged three pence per week for overdue items, and intoxicated persons were barred from the premises. The rules also limited borrowers to one volume at a time—meaning any outstanding book had to be returned and fines settled before another could be taken out. “That may explain why the book was never returned,” Hudson speculated. “Perhaps the borrower couldn't afford the fine and simply kept the book.”

Based on the three-pence weekly rate, the late fee today would amount to approximately A$28,000 (about US$19,500 or €17,000), adjusted for inflation. However, the library has long since abolished overdue fines. “We don't charge fines anymore,” Hudson said. “Though I admit, a payment of that size would have helped with our current budget challenges.”

No borrowing records from the 1870s survive, so it's impossible to confirm who the last borrower was. The library's original lending journal was lost decades ago. This gap in documentation is a common challenge for historic library collections around the world, where early record-keeping often falls victim to time.

Impact and Legacy

The return of Antiquities of Athens has been treated as a minor media sensation both in Australia and internationally. The book will now be preserved in the library's Local Studies collection, stored in an archival box, and will no longer circulate. “We don't want to wait another 150 years for it to come back,” Hudson joked.

The incident also sheds light on the importance of preservation of rare books and how community libraries can serve as guardians of local history. Hudson noted that the returning family helped preserve “an important piece of Kiama's story.”

The library has displayed the book alongside other historical items, and the tale has sparked renewed interest in the town's 19th-century origins. Kiama, located 120 kilometres south of Sydney, is best known for its blowhole and surfing beaches, but its library—founded in 1872—remains one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Illawarra region.

FAQ

How late was the book returned to the Kiama Library?

The book was returned roughly 150 years after its due date, believed to have been borrowed in the 1870s and found in 2026.

What is the book that was returned?

The book is Antiquities of Athens, published in 1858, featuring illustrations of ancient Greek architecture. It was the 506th book in the library's original collection.

How much was the overdue fine?

Based on the original rate of three pence per week and adjusted for inflation, the fine would total approximately A$28,000 (US$19,500). However, the library no longer charges fines and waived the amount.

Who returned the book?

Ross Simmons discovered the book during home renovations. He believes his great-great-grandfather, John Simmons, a former Kiama alderman, was the original borrower.

Will the book be lent out again?

No. The library has placed it in its special Local Studies collection and it will not be available for loan.