Stephen Blumberg, also known as the "Book Bandit" from Iowa, who amassed tens of thousands of volumes, popularized Bibliomania Day in the 1970s.
The annual celebration of Bibliomania Day on March 20 commemorates the anniversary of the theft of 23,600 books by Stephen Blumberg. Numerous individuals conflate bibliophilia, the affection for books, with bibliomania, the compulsive disorder of book hoarding. This preoccupation with accumulating books can harm a person’s social relationships and health. Let’s learn more about bibliomania, its symptoms, its facts, and how to determine if you have it.
Stephen Blumberg, also known as the “Book Bandit” from Iowa, who amassed tens of thousands of volumes, popularized Bibliomania Day in the 1970s. He collected over 23,600 books from 327 libraries and institutions in 45 U.S. states, two Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia. The estimated total value of the literature was $5.3 million. Blumberg was apprehended on March 20, 1990, when a friend turned him over to the F.B.I.
The term derives from the Greek terms ‘biblio-‘ for ‘book’ and’mania’ for ‘insanity.’ Bibliomania roughly translates to book obsession. The term was coined by book collector Thomas Hearn in 1734. He wrote in his diary, “I would have been tempted to spend a considerable amount of money without considering myself to be affected by bibliomania.” Thomas Dibdin published a book titled “BIBLIOMANIA or Book of Madness” in 1809, which popularized the term among the general public. In his book, he explained that bibliomania is a medical condition known as “the book disease.”
Bibliomania is characterized by the acquisition of large quantities of books, excessive possessiveness over the collection, and distress. There are no reasons why someone would become a bibliophile. Bibliomaniacs typically develop an addiction to book collecting at a very early age. This is their method of bearing with a severe hardship. So, rein in your passion for literature!
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The best method to observe Bibliomania Day is to acquire as many books as possible. It would be preferable if you purchased them instead of stealing them.
This day is celebrated by perusing books that provide insight into bibliomania. Books like “A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomaniacs, and the Eternal Passion for Books” are examples.
What could be better than buying or reading books to commemorate Bibliomania Day? You predicted correctly! Donating them! You can present books to your family, friends, and coworkers.
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The American Psychiatric Association rejected bibliomania as a mental disorder.
In Japanese, bibliomania is referred to as ‘tsundoku’ and is considered a virtue.
The presence of books can stimulate bibliophiliacs.
There is also a condition known as vello-mania in which a person collects documents.
According to some specialists, bibliomania may be caused by trauma or repeated abuse.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | March 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |
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