The Book Returned to the Library After 82 Years

• The book has been returned to the library after 82 years since it was checked out.
• The letter that accompanied the book mentions the grandmother of the author.
• The library noted fines for overdue books in 2021.

In San Antonio, the book was returned to the public library after more than 82 years since it was checked out. A letter was added to the book, stating that "the grandmother can no longer afford to pay for it."

The book, titled "Your Child, His Family and Friends," written by consultant on family relations Frances Brooke Streyn, was checked out in July 1943 and returned this past June from Oregon.

The author of the letter, signed by P.A.A.G., noted that after the death of her father, she inherited a number of boxes of books. She assumed that the book belonged to her grandmother Maria del Socorro Aldrete Flores, who at that time was working in the U.S. consulate in Mexico.

The book served as a reference for parents on how to help children in personal relationships. At the time it was checked out, the author's father was 11 years old.

The library reported that in 2021 it noted fines for overdue books. The notice included a stamp that confirmed the fine was three cents per day. Without taking inflation into account, the fine could have amounted to nearly $900.

In addition, the library stated that the book is in "good condition" and will be displayed at the central library of the city until September. Subsequently, it will be transferred to the organization "Friends of the San Antonio Public Library" for sale to benefit the library.

82 years — this is a long term for an overdue book, but it is not a record. According to Guinness World Records, the longest overdue book was returned to Colledge Sidni Sasseks in Cambridge in 1956, checked out in 1668.

Tags: USA/Culture