Glen Lake Community Library

Library Showcase:

Movie Review: The Incredible Shrinking Library. Glen Lake 2005

Plot: While serving patrons day after day the Glen Lake Community Library becomes overrun by books. The walls slowly start to come closer together and books can no longer be shelved. This phenomenon happens slowly as the library staff purchases and adds new books to their collection. Attempts were made to fix the situation 7 years ago when the library expanded and renovated. An approved property tax levy then tripled the book budget and the problem starts all over again.

Soon though, they again find themselves in an Incredible Shrinking Library. Attempts are made to correct this problem. The library is shut down for a few days to move shelves and find more space.

In a twist of plot, the Director adds to the shrinking problem by continuing to purchase new books. Not only do books contribute to the shrinking problem, exhibits of local art take up space in the Meeting Room. Later in the movie, a new CD collection is added and plans get started to add more CDs. In addition, the library’s Friend of the Library group raises money so that more items can be purchased through a book sale and a Home Tour.

In an attempt to teach children to love reading, the library does give away a few books. As part of the Summer Reading Program, one book is given to a child for every 10 that they read. But it doesn’t help the shrinking problem; it just causes more demand for new books.

How does the library solve their problem? Do they stop buying books and raising money? Do they discard all of their 21,000 item collection? Do they start putting books outside? Will a bigger library be built, and how long until it starts shrinking? Watch this hilarious movie to find out.

I give it a 5 star rating for great book collection, programs for youth, an active FOL’s group, and for providing technology to patrons in the form of wireless internet connection. I encourage you to take your family and friends to go see this library today.

Cast:

David Diller, stars as the Director.

Carol Peterson and Linnea Swanson assist in the comedy as additional library staff.

To read more about this movie go to:

http://www.glenlakelibrary.net/

We salute Glen Lake Community Library for all they have done for their community and are proud to have them as a member of the Mid-Michigan Library League.

Mid-Michigan Library League- 210 1/2 N. Mitchell- Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 800-968-0046 Fax: 800-968-3297

Website design: Holly Mercer
Last Update: March 29, 2007