I had the fortunate opportunity to attend a screening of Ann Seidel’s “The Hollywood Librarian” for the second time. I attended the film’s premiere at last summer’s national American Library Association conference held in Washington D.C. Before writing my impressions of the film following the second screening, I thought it would be interesting to review my notes from last year and compare them with my thoughts after today’s viewing. After reading over my summary of the event: I would not change a word. Here is my original review of last year’s screening:
I went to the premiere of the “Hollywood Librarian,” and left feeling very inspired. While the tag line for the film implied that the film would dispel the stereotype of the image of the librarian, I believe it did much more than promised. It did include depictions of librarians as shown through the lens of the camera; however, it juxtaposed those images with real-life librarians who all showed a passion for the work that they do, and the community of patrons that their library serves. Watching the film filled me with pride in my career and the responsibilities that I am both empowered with and proud to carry on.
I have read other reviews, and heard others’ impressions of the film, and while I am disappointed that many do not share my feelings, I will say this: while Seidel’s film may seem to some as better-suited for public television (where the target audience would have the opportunity to see it), it does accomplish this (just to name one thing as I am sure that there are more): it has begun a much-needed public discourse of the value of libraries, and opened the door to the unrecognized (perhaps until now) passion of the librarians who are committed to the empowerment of their communities with the tools necessary to become responsible, informed citizens in the face of what many of us recognize as a “perfect storm” in the sea of information.
Kudos to Ms. Seidel, and to my esteemed colleagues: I am proud to be a part of this profession. We, without question, rock the information world!
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Ann Seidel, Hollywood Librarian, librarians
