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About Bibliomania Day
Books , Legal
United States
Ends: Mar 20, 2025
DESCRIPTION:
On March 20, 1990, Stephen Blumberg, an American bibliomaniac (collector of rare books), was arrested in one of the most significant book thefts in United States history. Blumberg's crime was exceptional not only because of the sheer volume of the stolen property but also due to the nature of the items stolen—rare and valuable books and manuscripts. This case is a fascinating study of extreme bibliomania, leading some to refer to the anniversary of his arrest as "Bibliomania Day," a tongue-in-cheek recognition of Blumberg's obsessive compulsion for collecting books by any means necessary.
Blumberg's method of operation was meticulous and stealthy, allowing him to amass over 20,000 books and documents from more than 268 libraries and museums across the United States and Canada. His targets were not ordinary books but rare and often irreplaceable works, including centuries-old maps, first editions, and manuscripts. Blumberg utilized various techniques to execute his thefts, often entering libraries during public hours and removing items without detection. He would sometimes disguise himself or use tools to bypass security systems, showing high premeditation and skill in his criminal activities.
The exceptional nature of Blumberg's crime lies in the cultural and historical significance of the stolen items. Libraries and institutions lost valuable assets, some of which were historically important. The thefts represented not just a financial loss but a cultural one, affecting scholars, researchers, and the general public who lost access to these resources.
Blumberg's capture is due to investigative work by law enforcement and tips from the antique book community, which had become increasingly suspicious of an individual acquiring such a vast and rare collection without clear proof. When authorities arrested Blumberg at his home in Ottumwa, Iowa, they discovered an estimated $5.3 million worth of stolen books and manuscripts, confirming the extent of his nearly two-decade-long spree of bibliomania.
His arrest and the subsequent discovery of the stolen collection highlighted the challenges libraries face in protecting their collections, leading to improvements in security measures and inventory management in institutions nationwide. The story of Stephen Blumberg is a cautionary tale about the dark side of obsessive collecting. It serves as a reminder of the value and vulnerability of cultural and historical artifacts. The term "Bibliomania Day" serves to remember Blumberg's extraordinary crime and reflect on the importance of preserving and protecting literary heritage.
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