What You Need to Know
• About 30 years ago, a tea chest was discovered during renovations, containing books for safekeeping.
• The overdue book was found to have a Kiama Library stamp, indicating borrowing conditions from the past.
• Kiama Library staff calculated the overdue fine would be £97, equivalent to AU$28,000 today, but it was waived.
Simmons, who was given a tea chest containing books for safekeeping about 30 years ago, recently discovered an overdue book with a Kiama Library stamp. Upon examining the book, he found details about the library’s borrowing conditions, which included restrictions on the number of books one could borrow and fines for late returns. The overdue fine for the book was calculated to be £97, which, adjusted for inflation, amounts to approximately AU$28,000. Fortunately for Simmons and his family, the Kiama Library has waived the fine. Kiama Council libraries manager Michelle Hudson noted that this unusual find has garnered significant attention.
Why It Matters
This story highlights the historical borrowing practices of the Kiama Library and the significance of community libraries in preserving local history. The discovery of the overdue book not only sheds light on past library policies but also illustrates how inflation can dramatically change the value of fines over time. The waiving of the fine reflects a community-oriented approach by the library, emphasizing the importance of engagement with local history and the preservation of cultural artifacts.
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