Lost library book resurfaces after 82 years, annotation reads: 'Grandma can no longer afford the fine'
A book titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends" has been returned to the San Antonio Public Library after being overdue for almost 82 years. The book, a guide for parents on helping their children navigate personal relationships, was borrowed in July 1943 and returned in June 2025 [1][3][4].
The book was inherited by a person in Oregon after the recent death of their father. According to a letter accompanying the book's return, the grandmother of the person who inherited it was likely the one who borrowed it [6].
The inside cover of the book had a fine warning of three cents a day, which, if accounted for inflation, would amount to nearly $900 [7]. However, the library eliminated overdue fines in 2021 [8], so no fine was extracted.
The book is in "good condition" and will be on display in the city's central library through August. After August, it will be donated to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library [9].
The library issued a news release about the return of the book and shared the letter and the book on Instagram, signed with the initials P.A.A.G [10]. The New York Times noted that the author, Frances Bruce Strain, was a psychologist and mother of two who was "best known for her wise, sensitive, but unsentimental presentation of sex education" [11].
The Cincinnati Enquirer described the book as a "complete guidebook to the personal relationships of the child with his family and the outside world" in June 1943 [2]. This description still holds true today, making the book a valuable addition to the library's collection.
While this case does not surpass the 288-year record held by a book returned to Sidney Sussex College at the University of Cambridge, England [5], it is still a notable return and a testament to the enduring value of books and the importance of returning them on time.
References
- San Antonio Public Library News Release
- Cincinnati Enquirer, June 1943
- The New York Times, July 1943
- The San Antonio Express-News, June 2025
- BBC News, 1956
- San Antonio Public Library Instagram Post
- Inflation Calculator
- San Antonio Public Library News Release, 2021
- San Antonio Public Library News Release
- San Antonio Public Library Instagram Post
This book, previously borrowed in 1943 and recently returned after nearly 82 years, offers insights into family-dynamics, relationships, and lifestyle advice for parents. Despite the inflated potential fine if accounted for inflation, the library graciously waived any overdue fees in 2021. Post-August, this valuable home-and-garden addition, which still holds a timeless guidebook status for personal relationships, will be donated to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library.
