Australian Man Returns Library Book 150 Years Late

Ross Simmons recently picked up an old book that had been sitting in his home for 30 years and discovered it was due back at the library around 1875.

The 77-year-old's family found "The Antiquities of Athens" sealed inside their fireplace during renovations three decades ago. The book sat forgotten until Simmons flipped through it and noticed "Kiama Public Library" stamped inside.

He brought the 150-year-overdue book to Kiama Library in New South Wales, about two hours from Sydney. Manager Michelle Hudson couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"I was looking at it wondering what he was going to tell me," Hudson said. "He was returning it to its rightful place."

No book in the library's 152-year history had ever gone missing for so long and returned. The library had fewer than 1,000 books in its early years, and records show this was the 506th title in the collection.

The library's 1870s bylaws, still visible inside the book, charged 3 pence per week for late returns. That adds up to about $20,000 in today's money for 150 years of late fees.

Simmons believes the book belonged to his relative John Simmons, an architect who immigrated to Australia in 1857. The book covers classical Greek architecture, which fits perfectly with his ancestor's profession.

Sunny's Take

The book survived water damage, decades sealed in a fireplace, and 30 more years of storage to make it home. Hudson says it's in remarkably good condition considering its journey.

The library won't be collecting that $20,000 fee. In fact, Kiama Library no longer charges late fees at all—they simply suspend borrowing privileges until items return.

The book joins the library's local history collection, where visitors can view it but never check it out again. "We don't want to wait another 150 years for it to come back," Hudson joked.

Community members have traveled up to 40 minutes just to see the famous overdue book. Staffers say the story resonates because it's about survival and redemption—themes as timeless as the ancient Athens the book describes.

The library did add one playful warning: they'll suspend borrowing privileges for overdue items "for 150 years if necessary."