« Get The Most Out Of Your Library Experience | Main | Update On Library Workshops »
February 18, 2008
We In The Library Got A Kick Out Of It!
Dr. Audrey Quinlan recently shared this poem with the Seton Hill librarians. It was written by Jack Prelutsky.
I'm Going to the Library
I’m going to the library,
and moving very slow,
despite the fact that it’s a place
I’ve always liked to go.
But I’m not looking forward now
to being there at all,
and that is why I’m heading there
at practically a crawl.
I’m going to the library,
and I’m a bit afraid.
It’s all because of one mistake
I’ve accidentally made.
I’m filled with trepidation
mixed with downright misery,
convinced that the librarian
is furious with me.
I know that I’m in trouble,
so I’m in a frantic state.
I also know it’s all my fault,
and I deserve my fate.
I’m going to the library,
and shaking through and through—
the book I’m finally bringing back
is four years overdue.
The poem reminds me of, in my opinion, one of the best Seinfeld episodes (#22): The Library. My favorite scene was when Bookman, played by Philip Baker Hall, reads Jerry the riot act.
Bookman: Well let me tell you something, funny boy. You know that little stamp that says New York Public Library? Well that may not mean anything to you but that means a lot to me, one whole hell of a lot. Sure, go ahead, laugh if you want to. I've seen your type before, flashy, makin' the scene, flaunting convention. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "What's this guy making such a big stink about old library books?" Well let me give you a hint, junior. Maybe we can live without libraries, people like you and me. Maybe. Sure, we're too old to change the world. But what about that kid, sitting down opening a book, right now, in a branch of the local library, and finding drawings of pee-pees and wee-wees in The Cat in the Hat and The Five Chinese Brothers. Doesn't he deserve better? Look, if you think this is about overdue fines and missing books, you better think again. This is about that kid's right to read a book without getting his mind warped. Or, maybe that turns you on, Seinfeld. Maybe that's how you get your kicks, you and your good-time buddies. Well I got a flash for you, joy-boy: Party time is over. You got seven days, Seinfeld. That is one week.
Posted by DavidStanley at February 18, 2008 1:59 PM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/mt/mt_tb-awoisdlkfj.cgi/12813
Comments
Hilarious! First David hands me an Amazon Kindle to play with, then he posts this poem. I'm in library heaven!
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at February 18, 2008 4:51 PM