San Antonio, TX, August 16, 2025
News Summary
A library book, ‘Your Child, His Family, and Friends,’ has been returned to the San Antonio Public Library after being overdue for 82 years. The individual who returned the book found it among family belongings and humorously noted the long overdue period. The library has removed overdue fines since 2021 to improve access to services. The book is currently on display and will be sold to benefit library programs, highlighting the evolving role of libraries in the community.
San Antonio
A library book titled Your Child, His Family, and Friends has been returned to the San Antonio Public Library after being overdue for 82 years. The book, which was last checked out in July 1943, was recently returned in June 2023 by an individual in Oregon who found it among their late father’s belongings.
The person returning the book included a letter explaining that their grandmother likely checked it out when their father was only 11 years old. After checking it out, the grandmother took the book with her when she transferred to work at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, which contributed to the long time it remained unchecked. The letter humorously stated hopes that there would not be any late fees associated with the overdue book, adding, “Grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore.”
In a progressive move, the San Antonio Public Library eliminated all overdue fines for its books in 2021. This initiative aimed to improve access to library services and encourage more patrons to borrow materials without the fear of incurring late fees.
Upon its return, the book was found to be in good condition and is currently on display at the library’s central branch throughout August. Following its exhibit, the book will be donated to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library and subsequently sold at the Book Cellar used bookstore, with proceeds benefitting the library’s various programs and services.
While this overdue book holds impressive records for the San Antonio Public Library, it is not the longest overdue book in history. Some library books have been missing for over a century, with the longest overdue book being one that was borrowed in 1668 and returned in 1956, which resulted in no fines being imposed due to its extraordinary age.
The inside cover of the returned book contained a stamp indicating late fees of three cents per day, which, if calculated without inflation over the decades, would amount to nearly $900 in penalties. This highlights the strict nature of library fines in the past compared to modern practices.
Historically, the returned book was noted in newspapers as a valuable guide for parents regarding their children’s personal relationships. Scott Williams, marketing manager for the San Antonio Public Library, confirmed that this instance represents the longest overdue item ever received at the library, with no other comparable situations documented in their history.
Background on Late Fees and Library Practices
The San Antonio Public Library moved to eliminate overdue fines as part of a broader initiative to enhance community access to reading materials and resources. The removal of fines has proven effective in increasing library usage and decreasing barriers that some patrons faced in returning materials.
In addition to this remarkable return, it serves as a reminder of the library’s evolving role in the community while fostering a spirit of collaboration and investment in educational resources.
Conclusion
The return of Your Child, His Family, and Friends after 82 years is a unique story that adds to the rich tapestry of library history and community engagement in San Antonio. As the library embraces modern policies, it continues to provide essential services to its patrons while fostering a sense of nostalgia through stories like this.
FAQ
How long was the library book overdue?
What will happen to the book now that it has been returned?
Are there any late fees for overdue books in San Antonio?
What was the former policy regarding overdue books?
Key Features of the Story
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Book Title | Your Child, His Family, and Friends |
| Length Overdue | 82 years |
| Returned By | A person in Oregon |
| Date Checked Out | July 1943 |
| Display Duration | Month of August 2023 |
| Current Status | On display, to be sold for library benefits |
| Late Fee Policy | No overdue fines since 2021 |
| Historical Significance | Longest overdue item returned to the library |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KENS5 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Public Library
- News4 San Antonio
- Google Search: San Antonio Public Library overdue book
- NBC DFW
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Public Library history
- SA Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Library Policies
- NBC News
- Google News: San Antonio Public Library overdue book
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
