Library book checked out in 1943 returned with hopes they don’t have to pay $16,000 late fine

A library book that was checked out in 1943 finally made its way home after an unnamed sender returned it with a note.

“After the recent death of my father, I inherited a few boxes of books he left behind. Going through them, I found the included volume of ‘Your Child, His Family, and Friends’ by Mrs. Frances Bruce Strain from 1943,” the letter read.

The person who wrote the letter identified themselves as P.A.A.G., but disclosed that their grandmother, who likely checked out the book from the library in San Antonio, Texas, was Maria del Socorro Aldrete Flores, Fox News reported.

82 years overdue, a book checked out in July 1943 has finally been returned to the San Antonio Public Library in Texas.

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— AF Post (@AFpost) August 18, 2025

“In that year, she transferred from Mexico City to work at the US Embassy. She must have taken the book with her, and some 82 years later, it ended up in my possession,” the letter continued.

“When I noticed it was from the San Antonio Public Library, I decided to send it back to you. I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore.”

There was at the time, a three-cent/per day fine. Three cents amounts to roughly 56 cents today, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With inflation factored in, the current fine would be more than $16,000, Fox reported.

The library said that the book titled “Your Child His Family, and Friends” is in good condition and is currently on display at the library.

The book was published in 1943, and “guided parents on child development and healthy relationships,” Fox reported.

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