In the latest saga of the overdue library book, the San Antonio Public Library took its place near the top. They recently received a book in the mail that was being returned 82 years late. Either someone really liked reading this book or it has been misplaced for the last 82 years. Judging by the good condition it is still in, it would appear that the latter is the correct explanation.
The book is Your Child, His Family, and Friends. The author was Frances Bruce Strain. Strain was a prolific writer of self-help sorts of books aimed at young people. She often touched on subjects that had to be treated delicately, such as sex education. Her books were popular in the 1930s and 1940s when attitudes were not quite so open and liberal as they are today.
The book was sent back from Oregon, a long way from San Antonio, but you can travel a long distance in 82 years. The writer explained it was found in their father's possessions after his passing. He was 11 years old at the time it was loaned so they explained it must have been taken out by his mother. She was transferred to work at the U.S. embassy in Mexico so the book presumable went with them. The writer explained, “She must have taken the book with her, and some 82 years later, it ended up in my possession.”
The letter writer expressed gratitude to the San Antonio library and joked, “I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore.” We can reassure Grandma wherever she is there is nothing to fear. The San Antonio Public Library stopped assessing late fees in 2021. Grandma can finally rest in peace.
Sotheby’s Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana 27 January 2026
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: An extraordinary pair of books from George Washington’s field library, marking the conjunction of Robert Rogers, George Washington, and Henry Knox. $1,200,000 to $1,800,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: An extraordinary letter marking the conjunction of George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Benjamin Franklin. $1,000,000 to $1,500,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: Virginia House of Delegates. The genesis of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. $350,000 to $500,000.
Sotheby’s Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana 27 January 2026
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: (Gettysburg). “Genl. Doubleday has taken charge of the battle”: Autograph witness to the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, illustrated by fourteen maps and plans. $200,000 to $300,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: President Lincoln thanks a schoolboy on behalf of "all the children of the nation for his efforts to ensure "that this war shall be successful, and the Union be maintained and perpetuated." $200,000 to $300,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.
![<b>Sotheby’s, Jan. 27:</b> [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.](https://ae-files.s3.amazonaws.com/AdvertisementPhotos/9d2762bc-9f26-47ef-96de-1c28070e19f6.png "<b>Sotheby’s, Jan. 27:</b> [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.")