The Guinness Book of Records, an annual publication that lists world records both of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world, intriguingly holds a record itself. It is the book most frequently stolen from public libraries across the globe. This ironic feat highlights the book's immense popularity and the widespread curiosity it stirs among readers of every age. Since its first publication in 1955, the Guinness Book of Records has captured the imagination of people with its fascinating and sometimes bizarre records, making it a coveted item.
The origin of this unique record book is itself a matter of interesting trivia. It began when Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, found himself in a debate over which was the fastest game bird in Europe, and realized there was no reference book to settle such questions. This led to the idea of a book that could officially settle pub arguments, which was initially handed out for free to pubs to promote the Guinness brand. From these promotional beginnings, it evolved into a global phenomenon.
The book’s tendency to be stolen from libraries is a testament to its universal appeal. It offers readers a gateway into a world of extremes—from the most tattoos on a person to the longest time spent in direct, full-body contact with snow. Such records engage diverse interests and provoke the curiosity of individuals trying to understand the limits of human capabilities and the peculiarities of the world. This allure, combined with its use as a reference for settling debates and as a source of entertainment, may explain why it becomes a target for theft.
However, the fact that it is stolen so often also presents real challenges for librarians, who must balance the desire to make the book accessible to as many readers as possible with the need to keep it secure. Numerous libraries have resorted to placing the book behind counters or attaching electronic tags that trigger alarms if someone attempts to remove it without checking out. Despite these measures, the Guinness Book of Records retains its appeal and continues to feature prominently on lists of stolen library books.
The record of being the “most stolen book” offers a sort of backhanded compliment to the Guinness Book of Records. It underlines the book’s irresistible pull to the masses who are eager to delve into the extraordinary and sometimes unbelievable aspects of the world and human achievements.
