It's never too late to return a library book, it seems. An overdue copy of "Your Child, His Family, and Friends" by Frances Bruce Strain was finally returned to the San Antonio Public Library nearly 82 years past its due date, according to an article from the City of San Antonio. Checked out in July 1943, this well-traveled book was discovered in Oregon and included a letter detailing its journey and the hope that "Grandma won't be able to pay for it anymore" due to the presumably astronomical late fee.
Interestingly, the San Antonio Public Library, which has a policy of not charging late fees for overdue books as of 2021, won't have to settle any decades-old debts. The book, found in good condition, was sent back with a personal history tied to it. The sender's grandmother had checked the book out when their father was a boy, before the family's relocation to Mexico City for embassy work. Over the course of time, the book found its way back to a member of the original borrower's family.
The San Antonio Public Library eliminated overdue fines to remove financial barriers, in line with contemporary library practices. The policy applies to all patrons, allowing the return of long-overdue materials without penalty.
The returned book is on display at the Central Library lobby for August. Afterward, it will be sold at the Friends of San Antonio Public Library's Book Cellar used bookstore in the library’s basement. Proceeds from the sale will support library services.
