Book borrowed in the 1940s returned 82 years overdue. Here's how it got back to the library
A library in San Antonio recently received a book titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," returned nearly 82 years after its due date.
The book, written by Frances Bruce Strain, was originally checked out on July 19, 1943. In a news release, the library said it was due 28 days later.
The sender, who resides in Oregon, discovered the book while sorting through their late father's belongings. They sent it to the library along with a note, according to a .
“When I noticed it was from the San Antonio Public Library, I decided to send it back to you,” the letter stated, according to the news release
The library said the person who sent the book back thinks that their grandmother checked out the book ahead of being transferred to work in Mexico City at the U.S. Embassy. At the time, the sender's dad would have been 11 years old.
“She must have taken the book with her, and some 82 years later, it ended up in my possession," the sender wrote in the letter to the library.
"In their letter, the writer goes on to express their gratitude for the library’s service and even appears to joke about the book’s late return. 'I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore,'" the library said in the release.
Fortunately for the sender, there were not late fees.
The San Antonio Public Library does not charge late fees for overdue books. SAPL eliminated overdue fines in 2021 to break down financial barriers to accessing library services and resources.
The book is currently on display at the library and will eventually be donated to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library for sale in the Book Cellar used book store, the library said, adding that proceeds from sales in the Book Cellar benefit The San Antonio Public Library.
Get a look at the book in the video player above.
