Recently in just for fun Category

Librarians are constantly dealing with the old stereotype of the tight-lipped, grey-hair-in-a-bun, practical shoes wearing, shhhh-ing mouse. Though there have been a few exceptions over the years, that is the one that prevails.

But today I came across a new kind of librarian while enjoying the latest book by one of my favorite mystery writers, Carol O’Connell. In Bone By Bone, no one ever uses the library, partly due to the stench emanating from the place and partly due to the librarian inside its doors (who evidently causes the stench). Here’s a taste of the picture:

“Mavis Hardy’s size was impressive, more muscle than fat, as evidenced by the barbells tightly gripped in her hands. There were other items of bodybuilding equipment on the floor behind her. This argued against the rumor that she was dying, and it gave credence to a theory, oft repeated by the locals, that she could not be killed except by supernatural means.” (p109)

And later…

“The librarian coughed up a mouthful of mucus and let it fly. So good was her aim that she hit one lens of Ferris’s spectacles on the first try. He rose from his chair and fled the library.” (pp116-117)

I think I like this picture better than the tightly bunned version we’re all used to.  I’m not sure why... Maybe just because it’s much more entertaining! It’s a great book - check it out sometime.

Have you run across any interesting portrayals of a librarian lately? What do you think the ideal librarian image should be? Share your thoughts in the comments.

> contributed by Beth