36 year overdue library book returns home from Greece now

A childrens book checked out in 1989 has returned to the Chantilly Regional Library after 36 years abroad. The Fairfax County Library system confirmed the return on December 19. The book is Harry the Dirty Dog, borrowed on November 6, 1989. It disappeared from the shelves as the Cold War ended and somehow ended up overseas. A note inside explained the journey. Dimitris wrote that the book belonged to his diplomat parents, who lived in Washington and later retired to Greece. "They are now retired in Greece and I found this book on their shelves," Dimitris wrote. "It traveled the world and was well taken care of. And now it can find its way home." The Fairfax County Library system thanked the family on Facebook, praising the care taken with the book. The post called its return a welcome surprise for staff. Overdue books do come back, sometimes decades late, but few log international miles. Harry the Dirty Dog may be fiction, yet this copy clearly got a passport.