In an age when libraries have become endangered by lack of funding and general attitudes that they are redundant in this age of the Internet and easy access to books on Amazon, MAD Librarian: You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Library! by Michael Guillebrau speaks of power to the libraries. Serenity Hammer’s library in Maddington, Alabama has been at risk of closing, especially opposed by a powerful councilman who wants to cut all its funding. But just as Serenity is about to give up, the city dumps a seeming burden on the three librarians that turns into just what they need to build up a city of books. Forced to take over the city’s IT needs and financial books, assistant librarian Doom discovers a secret slush fund in the city accounts.
First just taking enough to pay for minor needs, Serenity gets MAD and develops a daring plan to have a seven-story library built in seven days. Referring to this feat of construction as the MAD, the librarians determine to make this place one where people can come for help of all kinds, including job searches, childcare, and even a place to sleep for the homeless. But they can’t go on forever without someone noticing and coming after them. Will books triumph over evil?
I have to confess that MAD Librarian isn’t my usual reading taste. It is untraditional and not my preferred cozy mystery. But I am so glad that I stepped outside my reading box and discovered this audiobook as it was recently released. As someone who volunteers at my local library’s literacy program twice a week, I have come to see the incredible connection that the public library has to the community. This book dreams big about the many possibilities that libraries can expand to benefit the community even more than they already do. Further, it acts as a rally cry to energize those already fighting to keep libraries active in the community.
Even better, this book makes its points with humorous, pithy chapters and other great content. You know the book will be funny when you meet Hemingway, the mascot rat who loves to drink rum. In addition, references to all types of books and other literary works are scattered throughout, often inspiring the librarians’ actions.
Though MAD Librarian was first published as a written text in 2017, the audio edition of this book did not come out until January 3, 2020. I quickly acquired that book from Audible and greatly enjoyed the performance of Jessica Hazard, as she and the characters got MAD! Listening to this book while walking through the mall, I found myself getting annoyed at store clerks who offered to help me because I didn’t want to disrupt my listening to this audiobook!
I really can’t recommend this book enough to anyone who has any sympathy for the institution of the public library. It becomes a war cry against those who seek to defund or even close libraries in favor of saving money and demonstrates just how significantly the library can help the community thrive if only allowed to do so. I give this book a hearty five stars!
