Newsletter (Feb 2007)
Now that it’s February, Valentines’ Day is just around the corner. Love is in the air. So it’s only appropriate that this issue focus on love, in the library, and for librarians.
Finding Love in the Library
If you think the library is the last place to find love, think again! A number of libraries across the globe have successfully brought single book lovers together. At the Cliffdale Library in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the library held a speed dating program where pairs of individuals were given six minutes to discuss books with one another, before moving on to another individual. The individuals could exchange contact information with one another if a mutual interest existed.
In Belgium, many libraries hold a “bib-dating” event were singles are asked to bring their favorite books to discuss with other singles. The books serve as a conversation starter for participants. It’s another example of speed dating for book readers. It’s a concept that has also spread to Australia where the State Library of Victoria’s first speed dating night was so successful, future ones were also scheduled.
This just shows you can find more than a love of books at your library. You might find your one true love. Hmmm…I wonder how many single librarians also participated in these events.
Love Songs About Librarians
Librarians have been the objects of affection in many songs over the years. Below are a few examples.
Karen
This song appears on The Go Betweens’ That Striped Sunlight Sound album. (Yep Roc Records, 2006)
A sample of this song can be heard on the CD Universe website (www.cduniverse.com).
The Librarian
This song of unrequited love is from Hefner’s Breaking God’s Heart album. (Beggars Banquet, 1998.)
A sample of the song can be heard on the CD Universe website (www.cduniverse.com).
Lisa Librarian
From Velocity Girl’s Copacetic album, this is one of two love songs involving a librarian named Lisa. (Sub Pop, 1993)
A sample of the song can be heard on the Amazon website (www.amazon.com).
Sweet Librarian
This song is from the Railroad Jerks’ Third Rail album (Matador Records, 1996)
It concerns a patron with a crush on the librarian.
A sample of this song can be heard on the CD universe website (www.cduniverse.com)
Classic Movies Where The Librarian Finds Love
I love movies like The Mummy (1999) where the librarian finds love. Here are a couple older films you may not have seen.
Desk Set
This 1957 classic stars Katherine Hepburn who oversees the company’s research department, and Spencer Tracy as an efficiency expert. Add in a boyfriend for Katherine Hepburn and a computer known as the “electronic brain” and the fun begins.
Good News
I’m a big fan of musicals. They’re fun, have great music, and happy endings. And best of all, they’re easy to watch while multi-tasking during the evenings. So I was thrilled to discover Good News while doing research for my book.
This 1947 MGM film features a young Peter Lawford and June Allyson. Allyson is a student, and assistant librarian at the campus library who tutors the college football hero, played by Lawford. Watch the sparks fly when you add in a sexy vixen who also desires Lawford.
No Man of Her Own
In this 1932 black and white film Clark Gable plays a card shark with a reputation with the ladies. But when he falls madly in love with a small town librarian, played by Carole Lombard, his life will never be the same.
Books Where the Librarian Finds Love
For easy bedtime reading, you may want to read Open Season (Pocket Books, 2001) by Linda Howard. In the book, a stereotypical librarian decides to make a major lifestyle change on her thirty-fourth birthday. But during one certain visit to a local bar, she unknowingly witnesses a crime. Add a hunky Chief of Police into the story and Cupid starts firing his arrows!
Or for a really light read, try How I Fell in Love with a Librarian and Lived to Tell About it, by Rhett Ellis (Sparkling Bay Books, 2003). This amusing book involves a public librarian who is literally crazy when she fails to take her medications. But the town preacher is absolutely smitten by her.
Valentine Gifts for That Special Librarian
If there’s a special librarian who holds your heart captive, don’t forget them on Valentines Day. If you need a few gift ideas, consider the items below.
Plush Teddy Bear
Everyone loves a warm and fuzzy gift. And this cute little 11" white bear sports a red bow and a white T-shirt. On the front of the shirt, in a green oval are the words “I worship librarians.” The bear (product # 51432278) sells for $12.99 and is available at www.cafepress.com.
Librarian and Book Jewelry
You can’t go wrong with a gift of jewelry. And you don’t have to spend a fortune for that librarian gift. For example, you can purchase a sterling silver round charm with the word “Librarian” across it for only $28 (item # JW8-SV). Or you can buy a sterling silver book necklace and earring set for $100 (item # JW4-SV-SM). Both these items are available for purchase at www.teasecatalog.com.
Librarian Thongs and Boxers
For an intimate gift, you could consider purchasing a white thong or boxer bearing one of several dozen designs just for librarians. One suggested thong bears “I Love My Librarian” with the outline of a red heart substituting for the word “Love.” It sells for $12.99 (product #51432278). Or for a boxer, there’s one bearing “My Heart Belongs to a Librarian” where a solid red heart substitutes for the word “Heart”. Selling for $16.99 (product # 59603819), this boxer, and the thong are available for purchase at www.cafepress.com.
Romantic Getaway
You can also whisk that special librarian away to the Big Apple for a romantic weekend. While planning the trip, consider a stay at The Library Hotel. Located on Madison Avenue in New York, each floor of the hotel is dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System. And each room resembles a library with décor and books pertaining to the theme of the room. More details can be found at www.libraryhotel.com.
If for some reason you hate Valentine’s Day and all this talk of love, or just love good short stories with a touch of light horror, be sure and check out the new book Mind Shadows: Tales That Awaken Your Midnight Dreams by R.D. Barnes. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a great read from a fantastic new author. You can find out more information about it at www.lulu.com/content/626583.
Thank you for reading along with me. And don’t forget to send a Valentine to that special librarian who always helps you find the information you need.
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