Musical numbers for the library-minded

I’m sensing a theme… I’ve been musically minded lately (see here and here), so I thought I’d come full circle. So here’s a round-up of fun musical clips from librarian films to perk up your day… or night.

Note: Some of the films are musicals (Good News, Strike Up the Band), some are not (Party Girl, You’re a Big Boy Now). Clips arranged in chronological order.

Strike Up the Band (1940)

Sample lyrics from the song “Nobody,” performed by Judy Garland as she closes up the public library. The uplifting (!) lyrics include:

I’m just living in a lull / And I’ll confess it’s mighty dull / … But I ain’t got nobody and nobody’s got me

Good News (1947)

I had to search a bit to find an online clip of “The French Lesson,” performed by June Allyson and Peter Lawson. This song also takes place while closing up the library, this time a college library. Interestingly, the film’s original theatrical trailer includes just about every song in the movie EXCEPT the one in the library.

Click to open new window to view video clip

The Music Man (1962 and 2003)

Of course! Repeat after me now: Marian. The. Librarian.

You’re humming this tune right now, right? No, just me? Ok, sure. ♪ ♫ ♪ And, sorry, not able to confirm nor deny any accompanying toe-tapping. 😉

You’re a Big Boy Now (1967)

A peppy number — “Girl, Beautiful Girl (Barbara’s Theme)” performed by The Lovin’ Spoonful — for the start of this oddball comedy about dysfunctional father-and-son reel librarians. Go-go boots, roller skates, and the public library, oh my!