150-Year-Overdue Library Book Returned in Australia, Late Fee Waived
Ross Simmons, a 77-year-old from Australia, returned a library book titled The Antiquities of Athens to Kiama Library in New South Wales, which was nearly 150 years late. The book was found in a sealed tea crate during renovations three decades ago, and upon noticing the library's stamp, Simmons decided to return it. Library manager Michelle Hudson received the book, which, despite some water damage, was in good condition. Originally established in 1872 with fewer than 1,000 titles, this book was the 506th title, likely borrowed in the 1870s. Although the overdue fees would amount to 28,000 Australian dollars, the library chose to waive them. This return marks the longest overdue book in the library's history, and it will be added to the local history collection.
Key facts
- Ross Simmons, 77, returned The Antiquities of Athens to Kiama Library in New South Wales, Australia.
- The book was approximately 150 years overdue, checked out in the 1870s.
- The book was found in a sealed tea crate inside a fireplace during home renovations about 30 years ago.
- Late fees would have totaled 28,000 Australian dollars (nearly $20,000) adjusted for inflation, but were waived.
- The library's 19th-century bylaws included rules limiting borrowing and denying service to intoxicated patrons.
- The book will be added to the library's local history collection.
- Guinness World Records lists a book borrowed in 1667 or 1668 as the most overdue, returned 288 years later.
- Kiama Library no longer charges late fees but suspends borrowing privileges for unreturned items.
Entities
Institutions
- Kiama Library
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
- Associated Press
- BBC News
- Guinness World Records
Locations
- Kiama
- New South Wales
- Australia
- Sydney