A library in Virginia has received an unexpected return: a copy of Harry the dirty dog that checked out 36 years ago and subsequently traveled the world with a family of diplomats.
The Fairfax County Public Library said the book was recently returned to the Chantilly Regional Library, along with a handwritten note explaining its decades-long journey — and why it was finally brought home.
The library shared the story not only to celebrate the book’s safe return, but also the care shown by the family who unknowingly held on to it for more than thirty years. The post has resonated with readers with more than 1,500 comments on Facebook.
A heart-warming note
The note accompanying the book stated that it was checked out on November 6, 1989 when Dimitris’s parents were diplomats living in Washington, DC.
The library said the copy “traveled the world with two diplomats and their families” before eventually ending up in Greece, where the couple has since retired.
Dimitris found the book on his parents’ shelves and decided to send it back to Virginia. His note read:
“This book was loaned on November 6, 1989 by my parents, who were diplomats in DC at the time. They are now retired in Greece and I found this book on their shelves. It traveled the world and was well cared for, as you can see. And now it can find its way home.”
The library thanked both the couple and their son, adding: “Thank you to Dimitris’s parents for taking such good care of our book and to Dimitris for helping the book find its way back to our shelves.”
A photo shared by the library shows the vintage copy of Harry the dirty dog next to the handwritten note.
The Internet responds
In the comments, people shared their reactions to the book’s return.
“I’m not crying, YOU’re crying,” said one commenter.
Another wrote: “Put it back into circulation and stick the note in!”
“What happy news! It’s a beautiful story. I’ve read it many times over the years to my two children and many students in my kindergarten classes,” a third Facebook user posted.
The library said the well-preserved book will be returned to the Chantilly Regional Library collection – 36 years after it first left the building. The post has drawn warm responses from readers who praised the family for returning the book and the library for sharing the story.
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