Imagine turning the pages of 3,599 books throughout a lifetime—starting in 1962. That’s exactly what Dan Pelzer did. A passionate bibliophile and lifelong patron of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Dan meticulously documented every single book he read for over six decades.
Following his passing in July 2025, Dan’s family created what-dan-read.com—a heartfelt digital archive of his extraordinary reading journey. The Columbus Metropolitan Library has lovingly transcribed Dan’s handwritten list, preserving his legacy for fellow book lovers and history buffs alike.
From classic literature to pulp fiction, dog-eared paperbacks to literary heavyweights, Dan’s list is a time capsule of evolving tastes and timeless reads. Explore his reading odyssey and see which titles you can check out today at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. It’s more than a list—it’s a life told through stories.
Dan Pelzer didn’t limit himself to just one kind of book. Whether it was highbrow literature, middlebrow favorites, or the occasional lowbrow romp, he gave every idea—religious, political, or philosophical—a fair read. His list shows an open mind and a curious heart.
You might wonder why someone so well-read didn’t become a professor or philosopher. But maybe that’s the point—he chose reading as his life’s work. Any other career might’ve just gotten in the way.
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