Book returned to Australian library – 150 years overdue

Lead

A book borrowed from a small Australian public library has been returned an estimated 150 years late. The volume, 'The Antiquities of Athens', was discovered by a family renovating their home in the coastal town of Kiama, south of Sydney, inside a tea chest that had been bricked into a sealed fireplace. The finder reportedly brought the book back to the Kiama Library, where staff have marvelled at its age.

'We've never had anything that old come back to us,' library manager Michelle Hudson told The Guardian. She noted that libraries often see returns of items 30 or 40 years old during estate cleanouts, but nothing of this vintage.

Coverage Comparison

Two outlets have reported on the return: ABC Australia and The Guardian — World. ABC Australia highlighted the story's heartwarming angle, featuring direct quotes from library manager Michelle Hudson and describing the book as a 'treasure'. The Guardian framed the story more straightforwardly, focusing on the logistics of the late return and the lost library records. Both outlets agree on the core details: the book, published in 1858, was found during a renovation and returned to the library, which no longer charges fines.

Key Claims

Discovery and Return

The book was discovered in a tea chest bricked into a fireplace by a family renovating their home in Kiama, as reported by both ABC Australia and The Guardian. ABC Australia reported that the family, who have long ties to the area, found the book as part of 'unveiling the old fireplace in the house.' Hudson told ABC that the family did not know where the book came from, but 'it's lovely that someone thought this would be special to the library.'

The Book's Condition and Contents

The book contains historical information, ornate artwork, and diagrams, according to ABC Australia. It has some water damage from its years under a chimney, as stated in The Guardian's report. ABC Australia noted that despite some damage, the book is still in good condition. The Guardian also reported that the book is marked as No 506 in the library's original collection of around 1,000 books.

Overdue Fine and Library Rules

Both outlets reported that the overdue fine, calculated based on the three pence per week fee printed inside the cover, would amount to approximately A$28,000 (US$19,500) when adjusted for inflation. The book also contains the library's opening hours, borrowing restrictions, and a list of rules from when the library opened in 1872. Hudson told The Guardian that under the rules of the day, a borrower had to return a book and pay any overdue debt before borrowing another. The Guardian also reported that households with at least six members 'known to be able to read' could borrow up to three books.

Lost Records and Borrower Identity

The library journal from the 1870s, which recorded who borrowed books and when, has been lost, according to The Guardian. Hudson explained, 'Unfortunately, we have a missing link. There's nothing in the book that tells us who the last borrower was.' She joked to ABC Australia that perhaps the borrower 'is keeping their identity quiet' because of the accrued fine.

Future Preservation

ABC Australia reported that the library will no longer loan the book and will place it in a 'special collection' of significant items. Hudson said the book would be stored in archival-quality boxes to preserve its condition. The library will acknowledge the family who returned it, as part of accepting the donation.

Perspectives

Kiama Library (Michelle Hudson): The library manager expressed delight at the return, calling the book a 'treasure' that will be preserved for the community. She noted that the library no longer charges fines, making the return risk-free, and that the story is 'lovely' for highlighting the library's heritage.

The Guardian's Reporting: The Guardian highlighted the irony of the late return, noting that the library's 1870s rules required payment of overdue debts before further borrowing, possibly explaining why the book was never returned. The report also emphasized the 'missing link' in tracing the borrower due to lost records.