The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film 2007
Distributed by Media Education Foundation, 60 Masonic St., Northampton, MA 01060; 800-897-0089
Produced by Ann Seidl
Directed by Ann Seidl
DVD , color, 96 min.
Jr. High - Adult
American Studies, Careers, Education, Film Studies, Gender Studies, History, Popular Culture
Date Entered: 05/10/2010
Reviewed by Margaret M. Reed, Riley-Hickingbotham Library, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, ARDon’t judge this film by its title alone. The Hollywood Librarian is so much more than a campaign to disprove movie stereotypes of librarians.
It is a wonderful history lesson on the origin of public libraries. Seidl pays special tribute to Andrew Carnegie, the immigrant and steel magnate whose philanthropy launched America’s free library system.
It is also a vivid reminder that some of our earliest and most important connections to reading and learning start in libraries. Seidl sheds light on the amazing work of school librarians and those who lead special children’s programs. She also shows that without libraries, our culture would have missed out on the creative genius of authors John Steinbeck and Ray Bradbury.
It is a testament to the life-changing contributions libraries make to the powerless in society. Moving accounts of literacy programs for the homeless, poor immigrants, and prisoners make Seidl’s point exceptionally well.
Most importantly, The Hollywood Librarian is a reality check. Libraries don’t just happen; they require ongoing public support. Seidl illustrates this in the arduous journey of the Salinas Public Library and its fight to stay open.
Throughout, Seidl draws viewers into her message with clips from classic Hollywood films. Some disparage librarianship (It’s a Wonderful Life and Music Man), while others venerate the profession (Desk Set and Goodbye,Columbus). Seidl also uses movies to underscore the role libraries play in democracy (Fahrenheit 451 and Storm Center).
Highly recommended for library and information science programs, The Hollywood Librarian is also an excellent professional development tool for librarians, school administrators, and public officials.
The first feature-length film about librarians, The Hollywood Librarian was the 2009 winner of the Ontario Library Association Media and Communications Award.