Episode

150-Year-Old Library Book Found | Johannesburg News

Podcast
Johannesburg News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!
Published
Jul 31, 2026
Duration seconds
104
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not_requested
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https://sources.thednn.ai/3a02e06f18be1e63
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https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/a7c5d43a-9990-442d-95dc-5da6b27b8fa3.mp3
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Summary

A century-and-a-half overdue library book turns up in a Kiama, Australia, fireplace—“Antiquities of Athens,” checked out in 1858 and likely lost just years after the library opened. Found during renovations by Ross Simmons, 77, who suspects it belonged to his great-great-grandfather, the book carries a fine of roughly $28,000 today. With original records vanished and strict borrowing rules of the era, the library can’t identify the last borrower. Simmons isn’t fazed by the debt—he’s seen worse customers. Now, the historic tome is permanently displayed, never to circulate again. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/3a02e06f18be1e63