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A library book reviewed 82 years ago was finally returned to a library in San Antonio, Texas, in June by a resident of Oregon, along with a note: “Grandma can no longer pay it.”
The book, “His son, his family and friends” by Frances Bruce Strain, was provided in July 1943, according to the library.
“After my father's recent death, I inherited some book boxes that he left behind. As I passed through them, I found the included volume of 'her son, her family and friends' of Mrs. Bruce Strain of 1943,” said the letter.
At that time, the father of the sender was 11 years old. Identifying only as Paag, the writer said that his grandmother, Maria del Socorro Aldrete Flores (Cortez), must have reviewed it.
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A book reviewed in 1943 of the San Antonio Library was returned in June 2025. (San Antonio Library)
“In that year, he transferred from Mexico City to work at the United States Embassy. He must have taken the book with her, and about 82 years later, he ended in my possession,” the letter continued. “When I noticed that it was from the Public Library of San Antonio, I decided to send it back. I hope there is no late rate because the grandmother can no longer pay it.”
The library published images on Facebook showing the 28 -day payment period of the book, with fines of three cents per extra day.
Three cents in 1943 are equivalent to approximately 56 cents today, according to the United States Labor Statistics Office.
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A book reviewed in 1943 of the San Antonio Library was returned in June 2025. (San Antonio Library)
That adds approximately $ 900 in expired rates, or more than $ 16,000 with inflation.
But there was no need to worry about grandmother.
“We can certainly reassure the writer there, because we have been well free since 2021,” the library said in a Facebook post.
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(A book reviewed in 1943 of the San Antonio Library was returned in June 2025. (Istock))
Published in 1943, “his son, his family and his friends” guided parents about child development and healthy relationships.
In 1943, Cincinnati Enquirer called “a complete guide of the child's personal relationships with his family and the outside world.”
The library said the book was in good condition and is now on display in the lobby of the Central Library.
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Once the book is removed, the Friends of San Antonio Public Library will be donated and will go on sale.
