30 October 2007

TV librarians hit the small screen tomorrow - and real librarians everywhere will be watching

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The new ABC series, The Librarians, hits Australian television tomorrow night on the ABC and librarians everywhere will be poised on the edge of their couches, waiting to see what some of Australia's top comedy writers have made of their world.

Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Sue Hutley, says the series has ignited interest amongst the profession all around the country and around the world.

"It's been fascinating to watch the interest develop and most of us have been intrigued and amused by the idea of the public library as the setting for a comedy," Ms Hutley said. "Some librarians overseas have even asked how they can view the series or get a copy.

"We're all waiting to see what the writers, Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, make of the library environment as a backdrop to their latest foray into social satire," she said.

"Victorian librarians got involved once news of the program broke back in March. Many helped out with donations of books and other props for the set, which was pulled together in a vacant Melbourne car showroom.

"The ABC told us the set looked so realistic, they actually had people trying to come in and borrow books," Ms Hutley said.

The plot involves a public library in the grip of the lead-up to Book Week and a head librarian dealing with all the tribulations of the lives of her staff.

"There has been lots of discussions already about the series - and these are continuing on our blog at http://www.alia.org.au/thelibrariansblog - but everyone knows it's not a documentary," Ms Hutley said.

"Of course realism is not the aim of a comedy program, so while we are keen to see what the cast make of our well-known stereotype, mostly we're all just ready for a good laugh."

ENDS