SAN FRANCISCO—A book that was checked out 100 years ago was returned to the San Francisco Public Library on Friday, January 13.

Webb Johnson found the overdue book in his great grandmother’s seamer trunk that was placed in storage after she died.

Johnson’s grandmother, Phoebe Webb, reportedly checked out “Forty Minutes Late,” by F. Hopkinson Smith sometime in early 1917 from branch 6 in the Fillmore District.

It’s possible the book was never returned, because Webb died two weeks after the book was due on April 6, 1917.

Johnson did not pay any late fees after returning the book, because the San Francisco Library is offering the Fine Amnesty Program. Patrons can return late books without penalty until February 14, 2017.

Johnson found the book in 1996, but decided not return it, assuming The San Francisco Public Library no longer wanted the book he told the SF Gate.

“The book sat waiting to be rightfully re-united with the San Francisco library until I read an article in the Chronicle [about the Fine Amnesty Program], and resolved to do the right thing,” Johnson said in an interview with 7×7 magazine.

“I’m delighted that the now-rare volume will be made available to readers who will find its author, F. Hopkinson Smith, a delight,” said Johnson.

Without the library’s Fine Amnesty Program, Johnson could have potentially paid $3,650 for the overdue book.

“Forty Minutes Late” is a collection of short stories first published in 1909.