150-year-overdue library book returned in Australia; racks up Rs 16 lakh 'late fee'

Kiama Library in Australia received a copy of 'Antiquities of Athens' returned about 150 years overdue, with a calculated late fee of approximately A$28,000 (around Rs 16 lakh) based on the original three pence per week charge.

The book, published in 1858, was discovered hidden inside a tea crate bricked into a sealed fireplace during home renovations by local resident Ross Simmons.

Simmons believes the book was borrowed by his great-great-grandfather, John Simmons, who lived in the cottage in the 1870s.

The book was listed as No. 506 in Kiama Library's original collection of about 1,000 books when it opened in 1872.

The damaged book, affected by moisture, will now be added to the library's local history collection and will not be loaned out again.