A library book just made the longest trip back to the San Antonio Public Library, 82 years overdue.

The book, Your Child, His Family, and Friends by Frances Bruce Strain, was checked out in July 1943 and only returned this past June by a man in Oregon.

Inside was a note:

“I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore.”

Turns out, his grandmother borrowed the book when his dad was just 11 years old. She later moved to Mexico City for work, took the book with her, and forgot to return it. Eight decades later, it resurfaced in her grandson’s boxes of family books.

Back in 1943, the fine was three cents a day. That would’ve been nearly $900 without inflation or over $16,000 in today’s money. Thankfully, the San Antonio Library ditched late fees in 2021. (Good thing)

The book is in surprisingly great shape and will be on display at the central library before being donated to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library.

And while 82 years sounds impressive, it’s not even the record. The world’s most overdue book showed up 288 years late in England.

So, return your library books...even if it takes a lifetime.