So this week we will celebrate ‘our’ day, readers of the world. The 20th March is Bibliomania Day

The History of Bibliomania Day

It started in the 1950s, as many people from Europe, especially England, were afflicted by what they called “bibliomania.” Book collecting was an obsession and an insatiable need for finding first editions, books with unique linings or text, and rare copies sought out by collectors. It was a prestigious way to both preserve Europe’s history and flaunt their wealth.

Later, the ‘Book Bandit’ – Stephen Blumberg from Iowa was found to have hoarded (read stolen) over 23,600 books from 327 libraries and museums across 45 states, two provinces in Canada, and the District of Columbia. The combined worth of the books was estimated to be $5,3 million. On March 20, 1990, Blumberg was caught when his friend turned him over to the F.B.I.

Bibliomania stems from two Greek words ‘biblio-’ meaning ‘book’ and ‘mania’ meaning madness.’ Thomas Hearne, a book collector initiated the term in 1734 by writing in his diary, “I should have been tempted to have laid out a pretty deal of money without thinking myself at all touched with bibliomania.” However, it was not until 1809 when Thomas Dibdin used the term in his publication “BIBLIOMANIA or Book of Madness.” He called it “the book disease.”

So take heart in your personal library and enjoy the day!