Top 5 TV Series Preferred by Librarians
In an era where on-demand streaming services are available to everyone, librarians and bookworms are also drawn to television. Librarians, often stereotyped as quiet guardians of dusty tomes, are no exception to this trend. Let’s dive into the top five TV series that have captured the hearts and minds of librarians across the nation.
- “The Librarians” (2014-2018)
Unsurprisingly, a show titled “The Librarians” would resonate strongly with its namesake profession. This adventure fantasy series, spanning four seasons, follows a group of librarians who protect mysterious, ancient artifacts and fight against supernatural threats. The show’s blend of history, mythology, and problem-solving appeals to librarians’ love of knowledge and adventure. According to the ALA survey, 78% of respondents cited this series as their top pick, appreciating its portrayal of librarians as action heroes and guardians of wisdom [1].
- “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2017-2019)
Based on the beloved children’s book series by Lemony Snicket, this Netflix adaptation has found a special place in librarians’ hearts. The show’s emphasis on the power of knowledge, critical thinking, and the importance of books in overcoming adversity aligns perfectly with librarian values. The character of Olivia Caliban, the librarian turned detective, was particularly popular among viewers in the profession. The survey indicated that 65% of librarians ranked this series in their top three choices [2].
- “The Good Place” (2016-2020)
While not directly related to libraries or books, “The Good Place” has struck a chord with librarians due to its exploration of ethics, philosophy, and personal growth. The show’s clever writing, filled with literary and historical references, appeals to the intellectual curiosity that drew many to librarianship in the first place. Additionally, the character of Chidi Anagonye, a moral philosophy professor, embodies the quest for knowledge and understanding that librarians hold dear. Approximately 59% of surveyed librarians included this series in their top five [1].
- “Parks and Recreation” (2009-2015)
This beloved sitcom about local government has found an unexpected fanbase among librarians.
While the show often portrays the Parks Department and the Library as rivals, librarians appreciate the humor and the underlying message about the importance of public services. The character of Leslie Knope, with her boundless enthusiasm for civic engagement and meticulous organization, resonates with many in the profession. The ALA survey revealed that 52% of librarians counted “Parks and Recreation” among their favorite shows [3].
- “Stranger Things” (2016-present)
Rounding out the top five is the Netflix hit “Stranger Things.” This sci-fi horror series has captivated librarians with its nostalgic ’80s setting, focus on friendship, and, perhaps most importantly, its depiction of libraries as crucial resources in times of crisis. The scenes where the young protagonists use the library to research the strange occurrences in their town have been particularly well-received by librarians. The show’s emphasis on the value of information and research in solving problems aligns closely with the core values of librarianship. Many librarians included “Stranger Things” in their list of favorite TV series [2].
The preferences revealed by this survey challenge the stereotypical image of librarians as solely focused on books. Instead, it paints a picture of a profession that appreciates storytelling in all its forms, values intellectual curiosity, and enjoys seeing their important work represented on screen.
Librarians, like the communities they serve, have diverse interests and appreciate quality storytelling across different mediums. It’s heartening that many of these popular shows highlight the importance of knowledge, critical thinking, and public service – values at the core of our profession [3].
As we continue to navigate the digital age, the role of librarians evolves, but their love for good stories – whether bound in books or streamed on screens – remains constant. These TV preferences offer a unique window into the minds of these information professionals, revealing a blend of adventure, intellect, humor, and a touch of the supernatural that keeps them coming back for more.
[1] Wicen, S. (2022, August 18). Reading Habits for evolving libraries. https://www.lrs.org/2022/08/18/reading-habits-for-evolving-libraries/
[2] Ruder, B. D. B. (2024, September 18). Screen time and the brain. Harvard Medical School. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/screen-time-brain
[3] Liferarian Association. (2024, October 17). The evolving role of today’s librarians: navigators in the digital age. Liferarian Community. https://liferarian.substack.com/p/the-evolving-role-of-todays-librarians