Kiama Library receives rare book returned 150 years late

A rare book regarding the architecture of ancient Greece has been returned to the Kiama Library in Australia approximately 150 years after it was borrowed. The volume, titled ‘Antiquities of Athens’ and published in 1858, was discovered by a local family during home renovation works. The book had been kept inside an old tea chest hidden behind a long-sealed fireplace.

Ross Simmons, a descendant of the family, identified the book as belonging to the library after spotting its official stamp. He believes the book was likely borrowed by his great-grandfather, John Simmons, a former stonemason apprentice in London who later emigrated to Australia.

While the book shows some water damage, it remains in good condition and retains its original fold-out illustrations. Although the accumulated late fees—calculated at current values—would have amounted to approximately 28,000 Australian dollars (around 18,000 euros), Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has decided to waive the fine. The book will now be added to the local studies collection and will no longer be available for loan.