- Library book found sealed behind a fireplace has been returned to an Australian library, marking it as 150 years overdue.
- Hudson stated that the library had 'never had anything that old come back,' as returned items are usually 30 or 40 years old when estates are cleaned out.
- Due to lost borrower records from the 1870s, the library cannot verify exactly when the book was taken out or by whom; Hudson called it a 'missing link' because nothing in the book identifies the last borrower.
- Simmons, 77, expressed he was not worried about facing an angry librarian or late fees, advising to 'stick to your guns and say do your worst'; Hudson confirmed the book will not be allowed out again to avoid waiting another 150 years.
- Historical library rules required patrons to be able to read, allowed households with at least six literate members to borrow up to three books, and barred people showing signs of intoxication; proof of literacy is no longer required.
A 150-year-old library book, *Antiquities of Athens*, was returned to Kiama Library in New South Wales after being discovered behind a sealed fireplace during renovations.1
Local resident Ross Simmons found the book, which had water damage, in a crate and believes it belonged to his great-great-grandfather, John Simmons, who likely borrowed it in the late 1800s.56
Kiama Library manager Michelle Hudson noted, “We’ve never had anything that old come back to us.” The book, published in 1858, was part of the library’s original collection of about 1,000 books, which opened in 1872.2
Hudson explained that records from the 1870s are missing, making it impossible to verify the last borrower. “Unfortunately, we have a missing link,” she said.
Library rules at the time required books to be returned and overdue debts paid before borrowing again. Hudson speculated, “Maybe that’s why they never returned it to us.”78
Simmons, 77, expressed no concern about late fees, stating, “I’ve spent a lifetime dealing with irate customers… stick to your guns and say do your worst.” Hudson added, “We’re not going to allow it to go back out again. We don’t want to wait another 150 years for this book to be returned.”
“Hudson said the library had “never had anything that old come back” — returned items are usually 30 or 40 years old. Since borrower records from the 1870s were lost, the book's last borrower remains a “missing link,” and Simmons suspects it was his great-great-grandfather John Simmons.”
Global News
