San Antonio, TX, August 16, 2025
News Summary
An 82-year-old book, ‘Your Child, His Family, and Friends’ by Frances Bruce Strain, was returned to the San Antonio Public Library after being checked out in 1943. The book’s return highlights the library’s initiative to eliminate late fees, making services more accessible. It will be displayed for a month before being sold to support library programs. The return, along with a touching letter, sheds light on the sentimental journey of books across generations.
San Antonio, Texas – An astonishing 82-year-old book has been returned to the San Antonio Public Library, marking a record for the library as the longest overdue book ever returned. The book, titled Your Child, His Family, and Friends and authored by Frances Bruce Strain, was originally checked out in July 1943 and was due back 28 days later.
The return of the book was facilitated through the mail from Oregon, along with a letter detailing its extraordinary journey. The letter was penned by an individual who found the book among their deceased father’s belongings. The writer indicates that their grandmother likely borrowed the book when their father was just 11 years old. After checking out the book, the grandmother was transferred to work at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, leading to the speculation that the book traveled with her and eventually ended up with the family decades later.
While returning the ancient book, the writer humorously inquired about late fees, expressing hope that there would be no charge given their grandmother’s passing. The San Antonio Public Library, however, eliminated overdue fines in 2021 as part of an initiative to make library services more accessible to all community members.
According to Scott Williams, the library’s marketing manager, this milestone emphasizes the library’s commitment to serving readers, regardless of their borrowing history. If overdue fines had still been applied at the time of the book’s return, the total fine would have amounted to approximately $896. This calculation comes from the book being 29,891 days late, with a fine rate of 3 cents per day for overdue materials at the time.
The returned book is in remarkable condition and has been placed on display in the lobby of the Central Library for the entire month of August. After the display period, the volume will be donated to the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library. It will then be sold in the used bookstore located in the basement of the Central Library, with proceeds supporting library programs and services.
Background Context
The San Antonio Public Library has a rich history of serving the community since its establishment. The policy to eliminate overdue fines aims to reduce barriers and encourage more people to use library services without the fear of accumulating fines. This approach aligns with broader trends among libraries across the nation, which are focusing on inclusivity and access.
The experience of the overdue book returning after such a long time serves as a reminder of the sentimental value books can carry across generations. It symbolizes the ties of family and the valuable resources that public libraries provide to communities.
Key Features of the Overdue Book Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title of Book | Your Child, His Family, and Friends |
| Author | Frances Bruce Strain |
| Original Due Date | August 1943 |
| Date Returned | June 2025 |
| Overdue Duration | 82 years |
| Estimated Late Fees | $896 (if fines were applicable) |
| Current Location | On display at the Central Library for August 2025 |
FAQ Section
What book was returned to the San Antonio Public Library?
The book titled Your Child, His Family, and Friends authored by Frances Bruce Strain was returned after being checked out in 1943.
How long was the book overdue?
The book was 82 years overdue at the time of its return in June 2025.
Were there any late fees charged for the overdue book?
No late fees were charged, as the San Antonio Public Library eliminated overdue fines in 2021.
What condition was the book in when returned?
The book was returned in good condition and is currently on display at the Central Library.
What will happen to the book after its display period?
After being on display in August, the book will be donated and subsequently sold in the used bookstore, with proceeds benefiting the library.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
82-Year-Overdue Library Book Returned in San Antonio
Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Public Library
- KENS 5
- Google Search: Overdue book San Antonio Public Library
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: Overdue book library
- Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Public Library
- NBC DFW
- Google News: Library book returned after 82 years
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.
