A 150-Year-Overdue Library Book Found Hidden in a Chimney

A book that was checked out from an

A book that was checked out from an Australian library more than 150 years ago has finally made its way back — after being discovered tucked away inside a fireplace.

The volume, titled "The Adventures of Philip" by William Makepeace Thackeray, was borrowed from the Mechanics' Institute Library in Hobart, Tasmania, in the 1870s. It was only recently found by a homeowner during a renovation, hidden behind a brick in a chimney.

Librarians believe the book was taken by an apprentice stonemason who had worked on the Houses of Parliament in London before emigrating to Australia. The worker likely stashed the book in the chimney to avoid paying the library's hefty late fees, which at the time were one penny per day — a sum that would now amount to thousands of dollars.

The library, which has been in operation since

The library, which has been in operation since 1827, was thrilled to receive the long-lost item. "We've had books returned decades late, but nothing on this scale," said a library spokesperson. "It's a fascinating piece of our history, and we're delighted to have it back."

The book is now on display at the library, complete with its original due date stamp and a note detailing its unusual journey. The library hopes the story will remind patrons that it's never too late to return what you borrow — even if it takes a century and a half.