The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Libraries through Film

Although traditionally stereotyped, librarians have also often been hailed as “keepers of the flame” of civilization, continuing to provide service in the face of inadequate facilities, shrinking budgets, and staff shortages. Ann Seidl's look at the history and culture of America's libraries begins early on, when librarianship was touted as the embodiment of “feminine virtues,” providing order and education even at the cost of less pay and respect than found in other occupations. During a time of rising immigration, benefactors such as Andrew Carnegie realized that libraries could enhance democracy by playing the role of “people's university.” The several thousand public libraries Carnegie built were forward looking, particularly in their commitment to extending services to children. The Hollywood Librarian provides clips from movies such as The Music Man and It's a Wonderful Life, but also takes a more serious look at the profession, describing the variety of positions required to keep operations running smoothly. Librarians also talk about what attracted them to the work and the associated satisfactions and challenges. The story is brought up to date with material on privacy concerns, the Patriot Act, censorship, and the sad case of the public library system in Salinas, CA, hometown of John Steinbeck, which almost shut down due to lack of funds. Although the documentary is a little scattershot, this is a stirring tribute, overall. DVD extras include additional interviews and a 10-minute “Book Cart Drill Team” featurette. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)