Historical book returned to library 150 years overdue with £14,600 fine

30 Jul 2026 • 10:25 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Historical book returned to library 150 years overdue with £14,600 fine

  • An 1858 edition of Antiquities of Athens was returned to Kiama Library in Australia, approximately 150 years overdue.
  • The book was discovered inside a tea crate, bricked into a disused fireplace, by a local man.
  • Kiama Library manager Michelle Hudson said it is the oldest item ever returned to them, with the estimated late return fine calculated at AU$28,000 (£14,600) based on the British three pence-a-week fee that was printed on the book’s inside cover.
  • According to Hudson, the final borrower cannot be traced, and the library's journal from the 1870s, which recorded loans, has been lost.
  • The historical book, which has some water damage, will now be displayed in the library's local history collection and will not be lent out again.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved