82 Years Later, Overdue Book Is Returned to Library: ‘I Hope There Is No Late Fee’

An Oregon resident has returned a library book nearly 82 years after it was first due — a title originally checked out in Texas during July 1943.

The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) recently shared that the long-overdue book, Your Child, His Family, and Friends by Frances Bruce Strain, arrived this summer accompanied by a lighthearted letter.

According to the note, the sender found the book while sorting through her late father’s belongings. She explained that her grandmother had checked it out when her father was 11 years old.

“When I noticed it was from the San Antonio Public Library, I decided to send it back to you,” the writer said. “[My grandmother] must have taken the book with her, and some 82 years later, it ended up in my possession.”

She added a playful remark: “I hope there is no late fee for it because grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore.”

Fortunately, the library hasn’t charged overdue fines since 2021, when it eliminated late fees “to break down financial barriers to accessing library services and resources,” SAPL noted.

The returned book will be displayed at the San Antonio Central Library until the end of August before being donated to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library for sale at the Book Cellar used bookstore.