Bibliomania Day 2024: Annually observed on March 20, Bibliomania Day commemorates the first anniversary of Stephen Blumberg’s masterful theft of 23,600 books. The compulsive disorder bibliomania, which manifests as book stockpiling, and bibliophilia, the affection for books, are frequently confused. This book-collecting obsession may even negatively impact an individual’s health or social relationships. Let’s delve deeper into bibliomania, including its facts, symptoms, and how to determine if you are a bibliomaniac.
Bibliomania Day History
The origin of Bibliomania Day dates back to the 1950s, and it was Iowan Stephen Blumberg, also known as the ‘Book Bandit,’ who amassed thousands of volumes, and popularized the term. From 327 libraries and institutions spanning 45 states, two Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia, he amassed more than 23,600 books. An estimation was made that the volumes had a combined value of $5.3 million. Blumberg was apprehended on March 20, 1990, after his associate handed him over to the F.B.I.
The term originates from the Greek words ‘biblio-‘ denoting a book and ‘ mania’ signifying insanity. “Bibliomania” literally translates to “book madness.” Thomas Hearne, a book collector, used the term for the first time in 1734. “I should have been tempted to have spent a considerable amount of money without considering myself in any way affected by bibliomania,” he wrote in his diary. In contrast, the term did not gain widespread recognition until 1809, when Thomas Dibdin published “BIBLIOMANIA or Book of Madness.” In his book, he described bibliomania as a medical condition known as “the book disease.”
Bibliomania is characterized by the acquisition of vast quantities of books, an unhealthy sense of possessionalness regarding the collection, and distress. There are no discernible causes for an individual to develop bibliomania. Bibliomaniacs frequently develop an obsession with book collecting during their formative years. They engage in this behavior to cope with difficult adversity. So, exercise restraint regarding your fondness for literature.
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FAQs on Bibliomania Day
What do alternative terms denote bibliomania?
Numerous designations exist to describe the affection one has for literature, such as bibliomaniac, bibliophile, bookworm, book-lover, and book reviewer.
Who coined the expression “bibliomania”?
John Ferrier, a Manchester Royal Infirmary physician, originated the term bibliomania. It was dedicated to an acquaintance who was a bibliomaniac.
Is it possible to develop an obsession with a book?
Undoubtedly, one can develop an obsession with books or even a specific book. Nevertheless, the book’s preoccupation will generally be contained.
Bibliomania Day Activities
Purchase materials
The most appropriate method to observe Bibliomania Day is to acquire or purchase an excessive number of books. It would be far preferable if you purchased them rather than stealing them.
Books concerning bibliomania
In observance of this day, peruse books that provide insight into bibliomania. Illustrative instances include literary works such as “A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books.”
Give someone a book as a present.
Better than purchasing or reading books to commemorate Bibliomania Day? You did indeed predict it. Presenting them as gifts! Books can be bestowed upon acquaintances, relatives, or coworkers.
Five fascinating facts regarding Bibliomania
An undiagnosed disorder
Bibliophilia was not acknowledged as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association.
It also has a Japanese moniker.
Bibliomania is referred to as “tsundoku” in Japanese, which means “good behavior.”
It is possible to seduce them with literature.
Bibliomaniacs are susceptible to stimulation in the presence of books.
Extreme vellomania
An additional condition known as vello-mania is characterized by an excessive accumulation of documents.
It might be suggestive of maltreatment.
Certain authorities hypothesize that bibliomania could result from repeated maltreatment or trauma.
BIBLIOMANIA DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March 20 | Monday |
