Ross Simmons returns a Greek antiquities book to an Australian library after 150 years of being overdue.
Ross Simmons returned a book on Greek antiquities to a public library in Kiama, Australia, after it was missing for approximately 150 years. The book, titled 'Antiquities of Athens,' was discovered by Simmons during home renovations and was found bricked into a fireplace inside a tea crate. Michelle Hudson, the library manager, noted that the book was part of the original collection of 1,000 books when the library opened in 1872. While the book was published in 1858, it was marked as No. 506 in the original records. Hudson suspects the book was lost within a few years of the library's opening. Although the late return fine would amount to roughly 28,000 Australian dollars when adjusted for inflation, Simmons expressed little concern regarding the debt. The library has decided to keep the book in its local history collection rather than lending it out again to ensure it is not lost for another century and a half.