A library book checked out in July 1943 has finally made its way back to the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) in Texas after 82 years overdue.
Your Child, His Family, and Friends by Frances Bruce Strain was returned in June 2025 from Oregon, accompanied by a heartfelt anonymous letter explaining its decades-long journey. The library announced the remarkable return in a press release on Friday.
Newsweek reached out to the SAPL via online form on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
This book return serves as a reminder of the lasting impact libraries have on families and communities, even when books take unexpected journeys spanning multiple generations and thousands of miles.
The elimination of overdue fines by many public libraries, including San Antonio’s system, represents a broader movement to remove limitations that prevent people from accessing educational resources and library services.
What To Know
The book’s journey began when a grandmother checked it out for her 11-year-old son in July 1943, with a 28-day due date in August of that year, according to the anonymous writer who returned the book.
The family was subsequently transferred to work at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, and the book traveled with them. After the father’s recent passing, his adult child discovered the library book while sorting through belongings and decided to return it to San Antonio.
The parenting guide arrived at the library in good condition and is currently on display in the Central Library lobby throughout August.
SAPL eliminated overdue fines in 2021 as part of an initiative to end financial barriers to library access. This policy change means the family faces no charges despite the book being returned approximately 30,000 days late.
What People Are Saying
Anonymous Letter Writer: “When I noticed it was from the San Antonio Public Library, I decided to send it back to you.”
They added: “I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore.”
San Antonio Public Library/Facebook
What Happens Next?
The book will remain on display at the Central Library through the end of August, allowing visitors to see this piece of library history.
Once the display period ends, the book will be donated to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library for sale in the Book Cellar, the used bookstore located in the basement of the Central Library. All proceeds from Book Cellar sales support San Antonio Public Library programs and services.