Fresno library book finally returned after 83 years. Returner asks late fee to be waived

A book checked out from a Fresno library back when Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President of the United States finally got returned.

It only took 83 years.

Nonetheless, the book “Mother” by Kathleen Norris found its way back to the Fresno County Public Library this week.

“Better late than never,” the person who returned the book wrote in a note to the folks at the library. “Hopefully, you will waive the overdue fee $1,500.”

The person who returned the book at the Betty Rodriguez Library in central Fresno said the their mom actually was the person responsible for racking up the late fees.

Their mom was 13 years at the time when she borrowed the book in 1940.

Their mom ended up passing away a couple of years ago but left a note asking the book be returned.

Grateful to have the book back after all these years, the Fresno County Public Library said it would be waiving the presumed massive fine.

The library, however, did clarify that overdue charges actually are maxed out at $4.00 with the borrower charged the price of the book after a certain amount of time.

“Our team was so, so excited to get the note and book back,” said Susan Renfro, marketing and community relations office for the Fresno County Public Library. “It’s by far the longest overdue book that’s ever been returned.

“For us who are passionate about the library service, returning the book after all these years is a demonstration of the love and respect people have for the organization.”

The long-returned book, which was first published in 1911, and the hand-written note by the returner are expected to go on display at the downtown library.

“It’s a cute story,” Renfro said, “and a nice reminder that it’s never too late to return your library books.”