Library Lover’s Day is a holiday that occurs on February 14th – right in the middle of National Library Lover’s Month. As most people will probably ascertain from its name, this holiday is one that celebrates people who love libraries and books. However, that isn’t the only thing that this holiday celebrates. It also celebrates the actual libraries themselves, as well as the librarians who keep those libraries functioning. Although not everyone will want to celebrate this day because it falls on Valentine’s Day, those who aren’t taking part in those celebrations might want to observe this holiday instead.

The History Of Library Lover’s Day

Library Lover’s Day is a holiday that originated in Australia and spread out to the rest of the world from there. Although we’re unsure of who started this holiday or when it was started, we do know that it’s been around for a few years.

Interesting Facts About Libraries

Before everyone runs out to celebrate Library Lover’s Day on February 14th, we’d like to present some of the amazing and interesting facts we’ve learned about libraries while we researched this holiday. We think that the following facts will be appreciated by anyone who has a love for libraries and books.

The First Library Was Started In The 7th Century B.C.

Historians believe that the first library, or at least one of the first libraries, was built approximately 2700+-years ago during the 7th century B.C. This library was built for the royal contemplation of Ashurbanipal – an Assyrian ruler. This library was located in Nineveh, in modern-day Iraq. It contained over 30,000 cuneiform tablets that were organized according to their subject. It also housed works of literature – the most notable being the Epic of Gilgamesh, a 4,000-year poem.

Benjamin Franklin Started A Lending Library

In 1731 in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin started a lending library. This library was called the Library Company and it required a subscription fee of 40 shillings for a person to use. One of the oldest public libraries in the United States wouldn’t begin until 1790 in Franklin, Massachusetts. This library circulated books that were donated by Benjamin Franklin.

The World’s Largest Library Is The Library Of Congress

When you look at the depth of the catalog located at the Library of Congress, it’s apparent that it is one of the largest libraries in the world. The Library of Congress has over 168 million items in its collection. The Library of Congress was founded in Washington, D.C in 1800. However, it suffered a huge setback when its collection of 3,000 volumes was destroyed by British troops during the War of 1812. That makes the rebound and the current size of their collection even that more impressive.

Observing Library Lover’s Day

Everyone wanting to observe this holiday can do so by first using the hashtag #LibraryLoversDay on their social media accounts. When that’s been done, they can then take a trip to their local library and pick up a book. Picking up a book isn’t the only thing that can be done at a local library, however. People can also take advantage of the other services that they offer.