Archive · 30 Jul 2026
150‑Year‑Old Book Returned to Kiama Library
A library in Kiama, Australia, got a very old book back after it was hidden in a fireplace for about 150 years.
The book, called "Antiquities of Athens," was found by a man who was fixing his house.
He brought it to the library, and the librarian said it was the oldest thing the library had ever gotten back.
The library had to figure out how much money the book was overdue for, which turned out to be a lot of money because the rules from the 1800s were used.
They can’t find out who borrowed it last, so they will keep the book in a special display and not let anyone borrow it again.
This shows how hard it can be to keep track of old books and how old rules can still matter.
The 1858 book "Antiquities of Athens" was returned to Kiama Library after being hidden in a fireplace for about 150 years.
The finder discovered the book during home renovations and delivered it to the library last week.
The library calculated an overdue fine of roughly AUD 28,000, based on 19th‑century fee rules, but cannot identify the final borrower.
The book will be displayed in the library’s local history collection and will not be loaned again.
The incident highlights the challenges of tracking long‑lost library items and the outdated 1870s borrowing rules.
- Who
- Kiama Library, managed by Michelle Hudson
- What
- A 150‑year‑old book was returned after being hidden in a fireplace
- When
- Last week
- Where
- Kiama, Australia
- Why
- Found during home renovations and returned to the library
- Book Title
- Antiquities of Athens
- Publication Year
- 1858
- Library
- Kiama Library, Kiama, Australia
- Estimated Overdue Fine
- AUD 28,000 (USD 19,500)
- Return Date
- Last week