Latest news with #SAPL
The South African
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Library book returned 82 years overdue - escapes R280 000 fine
If you've ever sheepishly returned a book a few days past its due date, take heart – you're nowhere near the world record. The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) in Texas recently received a copy of Your Child, His Family, and Friends – a parenting guide published in 1943 – that had been checked out 82 years ago and only returned in May 2025. The book, borrowed in July 1943, made its way back to Texas after the borrower's grandchild discovered it in a box of inherited items in Oregon. Along with the aged volume came a humorous note: 'I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won't be able to pay for it anymore.' The witty comment sparked amusement across social media, with SAPL sharing photos of the book and the note on their official Facebook page. Under the 1943 late fee policy of three cents per day, the book should've racked up a penalty of roughly $900 in original value – but inflation-adjusted, the amount balloons to over $16 000, or approximately R280 000. Fortunately for 'Grandma,' SAPL abolished late fees in 2021, meaning no charges were imposed. To put it in perspective: the book was borrowed when World War II was still raging, sliced bread was a novel idea, and colour television hadn't even been invented. Now, in 2025, the time-traveling parenting guide is on display at the library and will soon be auctioned off, with proceeds supporting literacy programmes and new readers. Librarians say the book is still in remarkably good condition, adding a touch of irony to the decades-long delay. 'It's honestly heartwarming,' said a library spokesperson. 'It's a reminder that stories – and sometimes even the books themselves – can outlive us.' Next time your library book is a week or two late, take a deep breath. You're still about 81 years and 50 weeks ahead of the record. And, as SAPL put it best: 'Late is better than never – especially when the book is still in one piece!' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
'Hope There Is No Late Fee': Book Returned to Library 82 Years Late
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A library book checked out in July 1943 has finally made its way back to the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) in Texas after 82 years overdue. Your Child, His Family, and Friends by Frances Bruce Strain was returned in June 2025 from Oregon, accompanied by a heartfelt anonymous letter explaining its decades-long journey. The library announced the remarkable return in a press release on Friday. Newsweek reached out to the SAPL via online form on Sunday for comment. Why It Matters This book return serves as a reminder of the lasting impact libraries have on families and communities, even when books take unexpected journeys spanning multiple generations and thousands of miles. The elimination of overdue fines by many public libraries, including San Antonio's system, represents a broader movement to remove limitations that prevent people from accessing educational resources and library services. What To Know The book's journey began when a grandmother checked it out for her 11-year-old son in July 1943, with a 28-day due date in August of that year, according to the anonymous writer who returned the book. The family was subsequently transferred to work at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, and the book traveled with them. After the father's recent passing, his adult child discovered the library book while sorting through belongings and decided to return it to San Antonio. The parenting guide arrived at the library in good condition and is currently on display in the Central Library lobby throughout August. SAPL eliminated overdue fines in 2021 as part of an initiative to end financial barriers to library access. This policy change means the family faces no charges despite the book being returned approximately 30,000 days late. What People Are Saying Anonymous Letter Writer: "When I noticed it was from the San Antonio Public Library, I decided to send it back to you." They added: "I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won't be able to pay for it anymore." An overdue library book has found its way back to the San Antonio Public Library nearly 82 years after its due date. 'Your Child, His Family, and Friends' by Frances Bruce Strain was checked out... An overdue library book has found its way back to the San Antonio Public Library nearly 82 years after its due date. 'Your Child, His Family, and Friends' by Frances Bruce Strain was checked out in July 1943 and due back 28 days later. More San Antonio Public Library/Facebook What Happens Next? The book will remain on display at the Central Library through the end of August, allowing visitors to see this piece of library history. Once the display period ends, the book will be donated to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library for sale in the Book Cellar, the used bookstore located in the basement of the Central Library. All proceeds from Book Cellar sales support San Antonio Public Library programs and services.
NDTV
2 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Overdue Book Returned To US Library 82 Years Later: 'Hope There's No Late Fee'
An overdue book has been returned to the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL), nearly 82 years after its due date. The book, Your Child, His Family, and Friends, written by Frances Bruce Strain, was checked out in July 1943 and was due 28 days later. The book was handed back in June and came with a letter, addressing the potential reason why its return was delayed for decades. The writer, identified as PAAG from Oregon, stated that they found the book among their father's possessions after his death. "When I noticed it was from the San Antonio Public Library, I decided to send it back to you," the letter states, adding that their grandmother must have checked out the book when their father was 11 years old, before being transferred to work at the US Embassy in Mexico City. "She must have taken the book with her, and some 82 years later, it ended up in my possession." In their letter, the writer goes on to express their gratitude for the library's service and even appears to joke about the book's late return. "I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won't be able to pay for it anymore." See the post here: Book on display Though SAPL does not charge late fees for overdue books since 2021, it added that the cost would have been around Rs 78,604 ($896.79). The library stated that the book was received in good condition and will be on display this month in the Central Library's lobby. Afterwards, it will be donated to the Friends of SAPL for resale at the Book Cellar, with proceeds supporting the library. Notably, Your Child, His Family, and Friends is a self-help book about parenting from the 1940s. Previously, in 2023, James Clerk Maxwell's An Elementary Treatise on Electricity was returned to the library 119 years after its due date. The book was checked out in 1904 from the New Bedford Free Public Library in Massachusetts.
