150-year-overdue library book returned in Australia; racks up Rs 16 lakh 'late fee'
A library book borrowed in the 1870s was returned to an Australian library after being discovered during home renovations. While the theoretical late fee would be massive, the library acknowledged the historical curiosity of the return.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of local history, archival preservation, and the evolution of library policies.
An Australian public library has received a book that was returned around 150 years overdue, with the "late fee" calculation coming to about A$28,000 (around Rs 16 lakh) under the library's original rules.The rare copy of "Antiquities of Athens", published in 1858, was returned to Kiama Library last week after being discovered during home renovations. The book had been hidden inside a tea crate bricked into a sealed fireplace for decades, which also left it damaged by moisture."We've never had anything that old come back to us," Kiama Library manager Michelle Hudson said.The book was returned by local resident Ross Simmons, who said he found it while renovating a family home.
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