I dunno that it is funny. It is sadly a still effective and needed security system in a world of thieves.

Malachi17

Many books within the library are still kept under lock and key in their original chains, the system helped prevent theft around 400 years ago. In the Middle Ages, books were a relatively rare and therefore valuable commodity.

BooksAndArticles

Chetham Library: Oldest Free Public Library In English-Speaking World

oliverweiss

I find this in particular very funny:

>Many books within the library are still kept under lock and key in their original chains, the system helped prevent theft around 400 years ago. In the Middle Ages, books were a relatively rare and therefore valuable commodity. 

![IMG_3097.jpeg](https://m.stacker.news/20735)