Son Finds Overdue Library Book On Parents’ Shelf 5,000 Miles Away

A book that traveled all the way to Greece was recently returned to a local library in Fairfax County, Virginia, after being checked out in 1989.

The book, “Harry the Dirty Dog” by Gene Zion, was returned by a son on behalf of his parents who were diplomats based out of Washington, D.C., but have since retired in Greece, according to a Facebook post by the Fairfax County Public Library.

The son, Dimitris, also included a note with the book explaining how he found the text adorning his parents’ bookshelf.

“This book was checked out Nov. 6, 1989 by my parents who were diplomats in D.C. at the time. They are now retired in Greece and I found this book on their shelves,” the note reads.

The note also said the book traveled around the world before it landed back in Virginia. (RELATED: ‘He Needs Help’: Trump Mocks Obama Presidential Library In Wake Of Online Ridicule)

Aside from Greece, the book also traveled to Syria, The Netherlands and Japan, Northern Virginia Magazine reported.

The Facebook post above thanked Dimitri’s parents for keeping the book in such good condition after all these years.

There was no fee due at the help desk when Dimitri dropped it off, as the Chantilly Regional library is fine free, the magazine noted.

The book itself was first published back in 1956. (RELATED: New Book Lays Out Path To An American Future Even Even Better Our Past)

Bon on this day in 1913, American author Gene Zion, best known for a series of books about Harry, a playful and curious dog, including Harry the Dirty Dog. #GeneZion #HarrytheDirtyDog pic.twitter.com/oLEbepLcoI

— Mr. Gordon’s Library (@MrGordonLibrary) October 5, 2025

“Harry the Dirty Dog” is a children’s book about a dirty dog that loathes taking baths to the point he becomes unrecognizable, and he is forced to find creative ways to convince his family of his identity, according to The Prindle Institute for Ethics.