Courtesy Photo­Image Jim McKee

The Friends of the North Platte Public Library and the Nebraska Humanities Council are sponsoring a brown bag luncheon series program at the library at noon Thursday, Aug. 2.

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This free program is part of the library’s Centennial year celebration.

Jim McKee will present the amazing story of bibliomanic Thomas Jefferson Fitzpatrick.

This college professor began with a solid collection of rare books inherited from his illustrious namesake. A lifetime of collecting later, he was living entirely in the kitchen of his house while the rest of the property was packed floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall with books.

Only after his death in 1952 was the full extent of his obsession uncovered.

McKee is a previous presenter in North Platte and his style of gradually unfolding the historical facts captivates the audience, organizers say. He is the owner of Lee Booksellers and the author of more than 800 articles and books on Lincoln and Nebraska history and numismatics including "Lincoln: A Photographic History," "Visions of Lincoln," "Lincoln: The Prairie Capital," "Havelock: A Photo History and Walking Tour," and "Remember When."

McKee's weekly history column has appeared in the Lincoln Journal-Star Sunday newspaper since 1993. He has been a adjunct professor at Southeast Community College in Lincoln since 1970.

This program is free and open to the public but seating is limited to 70, so reservations need to be called into the library at 535-8036 by Aug. 1.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch. Water, tea and coffee will be provided. The program lasts about an hour.