Librarian Tales: Funny, Strange, and Inspiring Dispatches from the Stacks

by William Ottens

Published in cooperation with the American Library Association, an insider's look at one of the most prevalent, yet commonly misunderstood institutions!

Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly of librarian William Ottens's experience working behind service desks and in the stacks of public libraries, most recently at the Lawrence Public Library in Kansas. In Librarian Tales, published in cooperation with the American Library Association, readers will learn about strange things librarians have found in book drops, weird and obscure reference questions, the stress of tax season, phrases your local librarians never want to hear, stories unique to children's librarians, and more.

Ottens uncovers common pet peeves among his colleagues, addresses misguided assumptions and stereotypes, and shares several hilarious stories along the way. This book is must reading for any librarian, or anyone who loves books and libraries, though non-library folks will also laugh and cry (from laughing) while reading this lighthearted analysis of your local community pillar, the library.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Books About Books, Adult, Humor, Biography, Librarianship

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2020

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Whether we like it or not, librarians are like bartenders for the daytime - a captive audience behind a desk or counter ready to listen to your gossip, your problems, your family histories, your current obsessions, or whatever else comes to mind . . . sometimes librarians are the only human connection a patron might get in their day." -- the author, on pages 61-62

Author Ottens - a Midwestern native who is currently a public library system executive in the small city of Lawrence, Kansas - recounts his required schooling / training and early years 'on the job' in his pleasant and memoir-ish Librarian Tales: Funny, Strange, and Inspiring Dispatches from the Stacks. While I did not find this as humorous of Gina Sheridan's I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks, I think Ottens' intent was more reaching for the 'humane' angle than the 'haha!' factor. (It was also interesting that he admits that as a child he was not a voracious reader, nor did he get to regularly enjoy trips to his local library.) He dispels some of the inherent myths or misunderstandings about the position - librarians aren't necessarily cardigan-clad older women who sit around reading all day, pausing only to sadistically shush patrons for being too loud - and talks about some of the unrecognized, ever-changing and sometimes 'jack-of-all-trades' responsibilities. He may have initially planned on being a teacher, but with Librarian Tales it sounds like Ottens unexpectedly found both his true calling and some sincere career-related satisfaction.

[Rebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw the cover of this book, I immediately checked it out from the library. (Confession: I work at a library.) It's a quick read, but for me it was a mixed bag.

This book is less than 200 pages but could have been even shorter. Some of what he describes strikes me as very mundane, although it could just be old news to me and not to someone who's never worked at a library. At the same time, there were a few things I wish he had discussed in more depth, such as the controversy of whether libraries should still be charging patrons overdue fines. To me this is a fascinating issue that gets at a real struggle of libraries: the need to be helpful and accessible versus the need to have boundaries and rules and get our stuff back.

That said, I really liked the author's earnest writing style and his personality in general. And there were sections I greatly enjoyed. If you went into this hoping for laughs, there were some genuinely funny moments here, especially when he's sharing anecdotes that other library employees contributed to the book. I particularly enjoyed hearing about strange things left in book drops. Every day is truly an adventure at the library.

Where this book really shone, though, was at the end. This is where I kept thinking, "Yes! Tell them!" This is the section where he talks about things he wished library patrons knew, things that librarians don't like hearing from patrons, and frustrations with coworkers. For example:

"There are those coworkers who do make everyone else's lives harder by not being consistent with policy... They let personal biases, favoritism, laziness, or lack of care for rules determine how and when they follow the book." (Yes, we almost all bend the rules at some point, but some people are regular rule-breakers that set patrons up with frustrating expectations that policy doesn't apply to them.)

"'The *other* librarian...' is only one of many phrases your average librarian would prefer not to hear you utter. I'd also recommend never asking anyone at a public service desk how long they've been 'volunteering' at the library. Never mention anything about dog-earing pages, writing in books, or creasing spines. Be careful about comparing your current library to your last library. Also, be warned: sentences that start with 'As a taxpayer...' are likely to send a librarian into a fit of convulsions."

And finally, this part, which in my opinion made the whole book worth reading and needs to be shouted from the rooftops:

"All tax-paying citizens support the library. That includes citizens of different ethnicities and economic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ citizens, and citizens who hold different religious beliefs. Not just the wealthy, white, straight, Christian, cis-gendered citizens. We hear the 'my tax dollars' line often from those who don't believe the library should 'promote alternative lifestyles' by having LGBTQIA+ books in the collection or offering inclusive programming like Drag Queen story hours. What about the tax dollars of LGBTQIA+ citizens? By the sheer majority, the library is filled with books and other materials that ignore, disparage, or condemn their existence. Why should that be the only viewpoint represented?"

I couldn't have said it better.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book displayed on the shelf when I was browsing for books I probably didn’t need. The cover jumped out at me and as someone whose first job was working in a library it was fun at times to read. I didn’t think the subtitle truly captured the book. While it was interesting I wasn’t expecting to hear about the author’s experience in trying to become a librarian. I did think some of the anecdotes were fun and I especially liked the part of the book that was focused on things not to do or things librarians wish patrons knew.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Librarian Tales is a fun, and pretty accurate, overview of (public) library land and its trials and triumphs. Personally, he annoyed me, but I would still recommend this to people wanting a fast look at the public library experience.

If you work in a library, you will likely have your own moments that would fit in with his themes perfectly, but I thought he really nailed some pieces, especially the bit on taxpayers and the part about COVID at the end.

I know the premise of this book is library stories from his perspective, but I wish he had incorporated more diverse perspectives and experiences. It's a fun read and he does have solid stories to contribute but so do a lot of people who haven't worked at LPL.

-Personal thoughts below-

I question why this guy is the one to write this book, especially in conjunction with ALA. This is totally on me, but he rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning and it got worse the further I read. The motto for his professional life seems to be, "I'm not qualified, but I'm going to do it anyway"

I had to laugh at the absurdity of someone with minimal library experience, no supervisory experience, and a brand new degree feeling like they'd be a good fit for a library director position- I think my specific thought was "wow that takes some balls", but I'm glad it seemed to work out ok (at least from his perspective).

I also think it takes some balls to write such a narrow perspective of library world when your claim to fame is sharing stories from others on social media. Why not use your new platform to amplify the voices of others in the library profession instead of just relying on your personal experience at 2 libraries?

-End mini-rant-

It's a decent read with good content, but it could have been better.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have ever worked in a library or known someone who has, these tales will make you smile. They may even help you remember a few of your own. A library is not a simple ordinary place. It involves a lot of personalities and a lot of strange scenarios. So read along and take a fresh look at those around you the next time you visit your neighborhood library.

[Bonney Teti · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book promised "funny, strange, and inspiring dispatches from the stacks". It delivered none. It was absolute drudgery trying to give it a fair chance. If you ever had dreams of being a librarian this book will smother all desire. Skip it.

[LibraryBlonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone in the library career world- I adored this. If you are library staff YOU NEED TO READ THIS because it will make you feel less alone. I also think patrons and customers of the library would enjoy this and absolutely anyone who is considering a career in public libraries.

This is lighthearted, funny, and short. Packed full of crazy library moments I'm sure all staff have experienced. It also gives a great overview of different jobs in a library system and really highlights how much more there is to a library than just books.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the author’s page ‘Librarian Problems’ so I guess I was kinda expecting more from this book. Maybe I could write my own… I work in a library so I have some crazy tales, dealing with crazy people… and that’s just the staff. 😆

[Kevin Xu · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is exactly what I expected from an librarian's point of view of the library, I been around them too much

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the author presented a few humorous anecdotes about the funny things that happen in libraries, I was disappointed that there wasn’t more emphasis on that. After all, that was the premise of the book as summarized.
The bulk of the book is actually an autobiography of the author’s education and library positions. The author rightly acknowledged that all kinds of people are patrons and deserve materials that meet their needs. I totally agree.
However, as a librarian I would not agree with his opinion that we need Drag Queen story hours or age inappropriate materials. I also did not appreciate his generic characterization of people in the category “wealthy, white, straight, Christian, cis-gendered citizens’”. Seemed a bit racist to me to lump all these characteristics together as a label.
I am also aware of the current policy to eliminate fines in order to make it more fair to patrons who are unable to pay. But is that making wise use of funds from donations or tax payers if, as librarians, we simply ignore the taking of items from the library and not returning them? That also is not fair to those patrons who want to use those materials that now have been removed. Finally , it does not teach responsibility for one‘s actions or respect for others. Just my opinion. 😊

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first heard this book was coming out, I immediately reserved a copy of it at my local bookstore. It was such an interesting read that I could finish it in one day. I would certainly recommend this book for budding librarians, public librarians and for those trustees on the library board. If you think that all librarians only shelve books or spend their time doing nothing, then you need to get educated and read this book. Granted, the author, William Ottens, worked for two rather large libraries, this book may not cover everything that a small rural librarian has to do. If trustees on a library board would realize the type of work that librarians perform, then perhaps they would appreciate them more. I speak from experience. I have been on both sides. I was on a library board and eventually became a librarian director, for only 6 months. The author said, not anybody can come off the street and be a director, and that's true. There is a lot more to being a librarian than shelving and checking out books. If you want to know what more they do, then read the book. You will not be disappointed. He does include some funny stories in the book. Good interesting read!

[LibraryKath · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm... you see I expected "funny, strange and inspiring dispatches from the stacks". What I got was American libraries 101. The author spends almost the entire book explaining how libraries work and how he worked in libraries. Interspersed with a few old tales that every single library has experienced. Where's the funny? Where's the strange? Where's the inspiring?

I'm also reminded that the deeply hierarchical world of American libraries is now a foreign concept to those of us in the rest of the world, thank goodness! All those stratified layers of roles, where people stick to one little group of tasks. The gatekeeping! The tiptoeing around staff politics! Yeesh!

I think I'm going to have to write the book of funny, strange and inspiring dispatches from the stacks myself.

[Elizabeth]

An interesting memoir. William Ottens writes in a warm, down-to-earth style that is a delight to read. He describes some of the highs and lows of librarianship in a way that underscores the the sense of community: not just in terms of the staff as a library team, but also with regard to the patrons and communities they serve. He offers some amusing anecdotes from his own varied experience, and he shares comments that others have left on his website. He seems quite proud of the work he has accomplished, and yet he also comes off as humble, and as being quite grateful for the chance to have done the work that he’s achieved. Anyone interested in libraries (and their complexities) or in memoirs might enjoy this. Such an interesting man!

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a reference librarian in a public library for over 30 years, I could relate to library patron humor (known often as Librarian Problems in the author's blog), the desire and drive to become a librarian, and the behind-the-scenes that constantly happens which patrons have no idea about. What rings most authentically is the common aspiration to want to help others and make the public library an inviting place.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Ottens' delightful memoir of the good, bad and the ugly of working in the Library world.
From Youth services to Collection Development and everything in between, this book inspires, tugs at your heartstrings, splits your sides and brings a unique perspective for anyone who has ever worked or been to a public library.
This has been one of my favorite reads of 2021 so far!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super fun insight into the trials and tribulations, but also the joys of working in a library. Getting an insider perspective on what it's like job hunting in the field, and working in different departments was really great. I enjoyed reading about his journey and insights into the profession.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pure delight from cover to cover. As a long-time library patron and the mother of a librarian, I found it to be insightful, informative, uncanny in its perception, and just plain fun. I had no trouble believing that all the things that the author, and other librarians, have encountered are true, including the roadkill animal tossed on the circ desk. A librarian friend of mine once told me that if she ever wrote a book about her experiences at the library, it would be called “Dead in the Dumpster.” At least she never had to deal with a dead animal on her desk! Maybe librarians get more than their fair share of strange experiences because of the vast and varied people who walk through their doors. I’m just glad those doors are there to walk through. The author also tells of the problems - and joys - of the various jobs within libraries. And included at the very end of the book, he touches on the problems that the COVID-19 pandemic is currently causing. This quick read is well written and entertaining, managing to have a nice balance of wit and information. And yes, I borrowed my copy from my favorite branch of the Lake County Public Library system, where the all the staff is strong, the buildings are good looking, and the patrons (I hope) are above average.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to my hubby for giving me this for my birthday!! Yay!!
This book give a wonderful insight in the American library system. I really enjoyed reading all about the libraries, the inside scoop, how things worked, and also what kind of jobs he had and the things he experienced. I would have liked more funny experiences/situations. We get a couple here and there, but most aren't by the writer but instead from other librarians through his facebook. I was looking forward to those experiences/situations quite a bit, so that was a disappointment.
But I still had tons of fun reading the book and I learned so much about American Libraries and how they work. :)

[Silvia Creed · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️. I found some parts relatable, some funny but mostly it felt like an overhyped Keynote Speaker at a Library conference . A 30 page summary would do for me.
Having said that, checking out books that we don’t care for still supports our local libraries 😉.

[Carly Really Very Normal]

This isn't what I was looking for. Based on the blurb and reviews, I expected a collection of essays or memoir-style book full of stories that library workers can empathize with and patrons can learn from and both can enjoy. I didn't find the writing particularly engaging or good, and it read like it was for teens/young adults trying to get into the library industry.

[Kayce B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute and easy read. Thought it a bit rambling and some parts were redundant. Overall mostly enjoyable and a very quick read.

[Jenn Yang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libraries have always had a special place in my heart, maybe that’s why this book was interesting for me to learn about the career and day to days of a librarian.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes my job perfectly.

[Jen Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute. I could relate to some of the stories and laughed out loud more than once. Highly recommend if you work at a library.

[Cynde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comical , true many of the similar things happen in libraries.We should all write a book, Mr. Ottens did!

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first realistic look at library work I've ever read. I too have a list of "Things Found in Book Drops" including an unopened frozen meal and an entire deer skull.

[Beckie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I didn't know anything about the author going in, like his social media presence, so the stories and tidbits were new to me. So many relatable anecdotes, and so much felt like the library I work in. It was a pleasant read.

[Grant Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book hoping for some lighthearted tales of working in a library. It was that, though didn’t seem well organized or ever really get into a deep storytelling mode. It was a quick read and interesting enough, though a bit slow to start.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest things I've read. Working in a public library, I can definitely relate to some of these experiences.

[Christine D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I work in a library and I found myself nodding my head and saying "yep...yep...definitely yep..." while reading this book.
William Ottens describes working in a library in all it's glory and tribulations without being overbearing or overtly negative or positive.
For those who work in libraries, you can commiserate; for those who don't, this may open your eyes to what actually goes on in libraries nowadays.