In the House of the Seven Librarians

by Ellen Klages

A charming and elegant tale of a young girl raised by feral librarians.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction, Books About Books, Magical Realism, Magic, Childrens

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Ellen Klages was born in Ohio, and now lives in San Francisco.

Her short fiction has appeared in science fiction and fantasy anthologies and magazines, both online and in print, including The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Black Gate, and Firebirds Rising. Her story, "Basement Magic," won the Best Novelette Nebula Award in 2005. Several of her other stories have been on the final ballot for the Nebula and Hugo Awards, and have been reprinted in various Year’s Best volumes.

She was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Award, and is a graduate of the Clarion South writing workshop.

Her first novel The Green Glass Sea, about two misfit eleven-year-old girls living in Los Alamos during WWII, while their parents are creating the atomic bomb, came out in October 2006 from Sharyn November at Viking. Ellen is working on a sequel.

She has also written four books of hands-on science activities for children (with Pat Murphy, et al.) for the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco.

In addition to her writing, she serves on the Motherboard of the James Tiptree, Jr. Award, and is somewhat notorious as the auctioneer/entertainment for the Tiptree auctions at Wiscon.

When she's not writing fiction, she sells old toys and magazines on eBay, and collects lead civilians.

from ellenklages.com

Reviews

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:

When the forward-looking library board votes to close the old Carnegie Library and replace it with a modern one, its seven librarians decide not to leave. They buy some supplies and quietly lock the door of the library behind them, the woods close in around them, and soon everyone forgets about the old library … except the person who still had a book that was long overdue. The book is left on the library’s doorstep in a wicker basket, along with a baby and a note:

This is overdue. Quite a bit, I’m afraid. I apologize. We moved to Topeka when I was very small, and Mother accidentally packed it up with the linens. I have traveled a long way to return it, and I know the fine must be large, but I have no money. As it is a book of fairy tales, I thought payment of a first–born child would be acceptable. I always loved the library. I’m sure she’ll be happy there.

That was the first time this story made me laugh, but not the last, as the child is raised in the library by seven “feral librarians” and, a little bit, by the library itself, which occasionally gifts the growing girl with a stuffed animal, or hides her when she’s in trouble and doesn’t want to be find.

The ending felt just a tad predictable, but that’s my only complaint. This is a quietly delightful story filled with details that will enchant anyone who loves libraries and classic books, especially if you’ve ever had daydreams about hiding away in the library stacks and making a home there.

Free online at http://uncannymagazine.com/article/in...

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful short story, especially if you work in a library, as I do. A library is closing, the contents moving to a new building across town. But of course, not all of the books are going to move, quite a selection will be left behind to make room for new acquisitions in the new facility. And seven librarians also stay behind and lock the doors, making the old library their very own. They go feral.

Soon, a drastically overdue book is left on their doorstep with a note—I can’t afford the library fines, so here is my first born. So the seven feral librarians acquire a baby girl. This is her story.

I adored all the lovingly used library stereotypes! For example, I think we all know (or knew) a librarian who wore a shapeless old cardigan. There is plenty of stamping of cards and books and mending of bindings. And seriously, how many of us who work in libraries haven't dreamed about shutting out the public and just enjoying the library by ourselves!

A love letter to libraries and their staff.

[Michelle F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true and magical delight. A heartwarming must-read for almost every reader; certainly any who love the wonder of books and bookish places.

It is long-form fairy tale in atmosphere, about seven librarians who settle in to serve a library that has been shut down. One day an incredibly overdue book arrives in the long-unused dropbox. In lieu of money to pay the years of accrued late fees, there is something very curious and valuable in the basket with the book.

This is marvellous. I love it.

There is a link in the book description, where you can fin this short story for free. Or, http://uncannymagazine.com/article/in...

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever enjoyed the mystery and wonder of a library and also loves books and reading is likely to enjoy this long story/novella. This is a simple tale, primarily concerned with its setting and these perennial librarians...and their unexpected human charge. There is a magical touch here and a gentle, sweet story.
Recommended as an offset to the occasionally more difficult reading we all encounter and as a paean to reading.

[Carol, She's so Novel ꧁꧂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm gamely plodding through a good but very depressing book & needed a little pick me up. I remembered that Tadiana had read & recommended this short story/novella recently & I gobbled it up online!

Sweetly charming story with quite a few layers. The overall message I took from it was that the adults in your life can care for you, educate you & guide you,but ultimately you need the freedom to search out your own destiny.

Absolutely delightful & warmly recommended.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like a bedtime story as told by Terry Pratchett. Probably aimed at kids, but enjoyable for book lovers of all ages.

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The House of the Seven Librarians by Ellen Klages originally appeared in Firebirds Rising: An Anthology of Original Science Fiction and Fantasy.

It’s a charming novella about a foundling baby, left on the doorstep of the abandoned (and somewhat magical) Carnegie Library, raised by seven librarians.

We see Dinsy grow up in this magical place, between the books. Klages is an enchanting storyteller. If you love libraries and all things bookish, this is an absolute must read!

Themes: books, books and more books, the old library, 7 feral lady librarians raise a child together, magical, lots of book references.

5 Stars

[Peter Tillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A charming and elegant tale of a young girl raised by feral librarians."
'Nuff said. Strong 4 stars. Don't miss!

Online copy:http://uncannymagazine.com/article/in...
Thanks to Tadiana for the link, and reco.

Third try at getting a review to save. I had a bit longer one, commenting on old Carnegie libaries, and GR lost that one too! Grr. I had even saved a copy, and clumsily managed to over-write it. Bah. Anyway, many of us have fond memories of the Carnegie libraries of our youth....

[Paul (Life In The Slow Lane) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attack of the Feral Librarians!

Reminds me a bit of The Secret Garden. A library that becomes obsolete and separated from the rest of the world by forest, becomes home to a baby. The baby, who was left as payment for a vastly overdue book, is raised by the seven remaining librarians who magically run the place and live there as well (apparently with unlimited food/electricity etc). What great imagination! I laughed out loud many times as Dinsy comes of age in this wondrous house of books. Because the old library is cut off from the rest of society, the old lady librarians become feral (lol) and have their little secrets that Dinsy longs to discover.

What a great bedtime story for our kids. I also appreciated the author's inclusion of several photos of Carnegie Libraries from the smaller towns around the US. I had to look these up...and learned a lot about Carnegie libraries and of Andrew Carnegie himself. We have a few of his libraries here in Australia. Well paint me grey and call me a wombat!

[LemonLinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little story of an abandoned baby raised by seven librarians in a somewhat magical abandoned Carnegie Library. Surrounded by books and librarians, life is an adventure from children's classics to biographies of famous people to numbers to science and everything else.

Who could compete with a child raised in and among books every day? Sounds fairly idyllic to me!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When their library closes, the seven lady librarians who have worked there for years, decide to turn their backs on the outside world and continue to live in the old building, allowing the trees outside to grow up around them, enclosing them in their own world.
But the outside world has a surprise for them, one that will have a huge impact on their reclusive lives, when, in payment for a very long overdue book, someone leaves them a very unusual payment in the shape of a real live little girl.
The story of how this child is raised by her seven guardians, and the effect she, in turn, has on them, is wonderful and magical, and one I’m sure any book lover will enjoy.

[Charli · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a librarian, I love everything about this. The language, the story, the characters, all are stellar.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable story about seven librarians raising a baby in where else but in a library.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story is a keystone in my life. i began reading it to a lost and refound kindred spirit while my dad was dying and i wanted someone to read to me. we sent each other videos reading sections, or sometimes skyping live. it was an incredible boon in a difficult time.

sentimental about books and libraries? your saving grace, you say? read this.

[Morgan Dhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple fantasy about a forgotten library, seven librarians and the baby left in the book return chute. I suppose it's technically a children's book, but I loved it.

[Heather-Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would it be like to be raised by Feral Librarians?

Pretty
Freaking
Awesome.

Where do I sign up?

Can be read for free HERE.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little short story about a child raised by "feral librarians." It would be a good choice to read as a sweet bedtime story to an elementary-aged child, perhaps, but it is very suitable for adults too.

[Boxofdelights · Rating 4 out of 5]

She still had all her marbles, though every one of them was a bit odd and rolled asymmetrically.

[chvang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. I read this every once in a while and every time, I'm surprised it's not more popular on Goodreads. It boggles my mind that it has not been embraced by this community. This is a fairytale for bibliophiles, especially those of us who recognize the importance of libraries (and would like nothing more than to spend our days within them). If you love reading enough to be on this site, you should read this story. So please do; it's free, just click on the url. I promise you won't regret it. You will regret not reading it.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, short read -- a wonderful fantasy to grow up in a library! Too bad this book isn't easier to get FROM a library. I think all of my library colleagues would enjoy it.

[Rhea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A beautiful story about a girl who grows up in a library.

Klages' writing is magical, sparkling with childlike wonder. She paints a picture of the old library, a truly magical place, through the eyes of Dinsy. Everything is fascinating, everything grand and mysterious. The library is a safe haven; time passes slowly, quietly, gently, and the seven librarians are peaceful old ladies who tend to the dusty books. And Dinsy loves this world, but her longing for the outside is palpable, until finally, she decides to act on it.

This story has a few flaws. Klages incorporates magical realism - a mistake. In the House of the Seven Librarians would've been more effective without it, becuase the way Klages uses it makes the story overly cutesy and convenient.

But if you love the magic of libraries and tales tinged with the magic of growing up, you will love The House of the Seven Librarians.

[Teri-K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Argh! It's hard to rate this short story. It's crammed with references to books, librarians and libraries, enough to make any book lover's heart overflow. But there's virtually no plot to go along with it. About halfway in those references began to feel so sweet I thought I might get a toothache, and I longed for some actual conflict or real life references. So, 2 stars for being formless and twee but more if you're in the mood to wallow in old book trivia for a while.

[Quinby6696 Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story of seven old-world librarians who live in a closed Carnegie library. As they are carrying on with their old-fashioned librarian existence, stamping date cards, mending old books, etc. they are presented with a newborn baby who lands on their doorstep. They raise her in the library and the details of her upbringing are marvelous! Fun book references and plenty of gentle humor.

[Patricia J. O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful, quick read. A modern fairy tale perfect for librarians or lovers of all things bookish (like me).

[Shahara LeFay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written by a well-read book lover. I hope for a sequel!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wish i had been raised by feral librarians in a spot like this! what a fabulous little story for every librarian, book lover, or library user.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite charming and appealing book, being set in a library. The characters or quirky and very Library-ish and I thought this a very creative novella

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply, spellbindingly lovely. Klages is an enchanting storyteller.

[Eleanor]

Technically a novelette at just over 10,000 words, but this has been published as a paperback by Aqueduct Press and has its own listing on Goodreads and StoryGraph, so I’m counting it as an individual work. This is just a lovely, fairytale-like story about a little girl who’s abandoned as a baby in the book return slot of a Carnegie Library. The library itself has long since been abandoned, but the seven librarians who chose to remain there have kept it running, and the library itself takes care of them, with resources and food. There’s so much in this about the love of books and the love of the buildings that contain them, with enough library in-jokes about book-binding and the Dewey system and card pockets to satisfy any devoted user. The story itself is quite simple and doesn’t dig too deep—of course Dinsy can’t stay there forever; of course she wants to see the world, not just read about it—but the way Klages builds the world of the library as a gorgeous, nestlike place as well as a repository of excitement and adventure, and the way the story acknowledges the need for balance between seclusion and engagement with the outside world, makes it cosy without being twee. Entering rotation as my newest comfort read, I think. Source: Uncanny Magazine

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a volunteer at the library that I work at. He wanted to know if I was surprised that the building was left standing rather than demolished and I believe there was a good reason they left it intact. It was one of the original Carnegie libraries so I would definitely keep it, maintain it and repurpose it for something else. But that's just common sense and this book wasn't like that at all. It added a touch of magic throughout the story and the library itself was magical, which left many things unexplained but it's okay because they weren't that important.
I thought that patron sure paid a hefty price for an extremely overdue book and it was a bit disconcerting that they would give up their child to repay their late fine. The story was kind of meh, especially towards the end, but it was an interesting idea of a secret league of librarians with special capabilities, such as the shrinking Children's Librarian .