Bookworm or Bibliophile

If you're reading this post, chances are good that you're either a bookworm or a bibliophile. Do you know the difference between these two words? Although sometimes the word bookworm is used in a derogatory sense, to me a bookworm is someone who simply loves to read. A bibliophile, on the other hand, is someone who loves books themselves, admires and often collects them, and usually likes to read. Bookworms go to the library to find books to take home and read, whereas bibliophiles may visit libraries to surround themselves with books.

I consider myself more of a bookworm, but I don't think I'm the stereotypical bookworm, socially awkward and pedantic; I wonder why some associate an interest in reading with negative traits. However, I do at times get books for the purpose of adding to my collection, and very recently found a beautiful copy of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, illustrated by Louis Jambor (even though we already own two versions of this classic), and a copy of The Giver, signed by author Lois Lowry. Are you a bookworm, bibliophile, or both?