In a delightful turn of events, a book checked out of the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 has finally been returned—82 years later. The surprising return came from Oregon in June, accompanied by a note that lightened the remarkable delay with a touch of humor.
The returned book, Your Child, His Family, and Friends by Frances Bruce Strain, was mailed to the library alongside a heartfelt letter signed “P.A.A.G.” The sender explained they discovered the volume among their late father’s belongings. The book, originally borrowed by their grandmother—Maria del Socorro Aldrete Flores (Cortez)—was likely taken with her when she relocated to Mexico City to serve at the U.S. Embassy during World War II. Decades later, it resurfaced in Oregon and was finally sent home.
The letter made one playful request: “Grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore.” Fortunately, the San Antonio Public Library eliminated overdue fines in 2021. Had the fee still applied, the original 3-cent-per-day fine would have amounted to roughly $900 at the time—or in today’s dollars, more than $16,000.
Miraculously, the book arrived in excellent condition. To honor its story, the library placed it on display throughout August in the Central Library’s lobby. Following this exhibit, the volume will be donated to the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library for sale via the Book Cellar, the library’s used bookstore, with proceeds supporting library programs.
While 82 years is a long time for a borrowed book, global records show there are even more extreme cases. The world record belongs to a text returned to Cambridge University in 1956 from 1668—making this San Antonio return noteworthy, though not record-setting.
