This is a master list of English-language films, TV movies, and mini-series that feature librarians and/or archivists, and I add to this whenever I find more films. I collect these titles from various sources, such as books, web sites, articles, and personal suggestions.
Notes:
- After I see one of the films on this title, I link it to other information provided on this site. This is my working list for further analysis; some films I have seen, while others I have not (yet) seen.
- Films classified as Class V do NOT include librarians and/or archivists, although they mention a librarian or contain scenes set in a library.
- Films classified as Class VI also do NOT include librarians and/or archivists, and are a result of listing errors on other reel librarian lists.
Have I missed a movie? Please let me know in the comments or email me at reel.librarians@gmail.com
#s | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
#s
2 Brothers and a Bride, aka A Foreign Affair (2003) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Oh, she may be weary in ‘2 Brothers and a Bride’
6 Degrees of Desperation (2008)
7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964) — Class II (major role):
Related post: 7 faces of a Liberated Librarian in ‘7 Faces of Dr. Lao’
9 (2009)
The 10th Kingdom (2000, TV mini-series)
22 Jump Street (2014)
29 Reasons to Run (2006)
187, aka One Eight Seven (1997)
A
Abandon (2002) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: An ‘abandon’-ed reel librarian
About Adam (2000)
The Accursed (2022)
The Addiction (1995)
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Admissions (2004, TV movie) — Class II (major role)
Adventure (1945) — Class I (major role)
The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
After (2019)
After Words (2015)
The Age of Adaline (2015) — Class II (major role):
Related post: A reel librarian for the ages in ‘The Age of Adaline’
The Age of Stupid (2009)
Age to Age (1998)
Agent Trouble (1987)
Agnes and His Brothers (2004)
Agnes of God (1985) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist)
Agora (2009)
Air Hostess (1949)
Alice (2009, TV mini-series)
Alice in Wonderland: An X-Rated Musical Fantasy (1976)
All About Evil (2010) — Class I (major role)
Related post: All about the reel librarians in ‘All About Evil’ (2010) ; Comparing the central librarian character in ‘Grindhouse’ (2003) vs. ‘All About Evil’ (2010)
All the King’s Men (1949)
All the President’s Men (1976) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: All the president’s librarians in ‘All the President’s Men’
All the Queen’s Men (2001)
Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival (2016)
Almost a Woman (2001, TV movie)
Alone (2005)
The Alphabet Murders (1965) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related posts: Reel librarian Mr. Stringer returns in ‘The Alphabet Murders’ (1965) ; Here’s lookin’ at you, Mr. Stringer
Amadeus (1984)
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’
American Animals (2018)
American Hot Wax (1978)
American Pie 2 (2001)
Amhurst (2008)
The Amityville Horror (1979) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Amityville horrors in ‘The Amityville Horror’ and ‘Amityville II’
Amityville II: The Possession (1982) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Amityville horrors in ‘The Amityville Horror’ and ‘Amityville II’
Anatomy of a Murder (1959) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: ‘Anatomy of a’ law library
An Angel at My Table (1992) — Class V (library scene without librarians)
Angel’s Dance (1999) — Class III (minor role)
Angels and Demons (2009)
Anything for Jackson (2020)
Apartment for Peggy (1948)
Archangel (2005, TV movie) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: ‘Archangel,’ a study in contrasts
Artemis 81 (1981, TV movie)
As Young as You Feel (1951) — Class III (minor role)
Ask the Dust (2006) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Reader poll write-up, Spring 2018: ‘Ask the Dust’
The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — Class II (major role)
At First Sight (1999) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Librarian ‘at first sight’
The Attic (1980) — Class I (major role):
Related posts: The librarian in ‘The Attic’ ; ‘The Killing Kind’ vs. ‘The Attic’
Autumn in New York (2000) — Class IV (cameo role)
Avalanche (2018)
The Avengers (1998) — Class IV (cameo role)
Avengers: Endgame (2019) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019) ; Perspectives about Wong’s reel librarian character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ; A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Three
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ ; Perspectives about Wong’s reel librarian character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ; A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Three
Awake (2021)
Awakenings (1990) — Class IV (cameo role)
B
Baby Boom (1987) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Baby Boom’ librarian
Back to School (1986)
Back to the Future Part III (1990)
Back When We Were Grownups (2004, TV movie) — Class IV (cameo role)
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple (2001, TV movie)
The Bank (2001)
Barney: The Land of Make Believe (2005)
The Baron of Arizona (1950)
Batman Returns (1992) — Class VI (librarian listing error)
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Batman XXX: A Porn Parody (2010)
Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000 (2000)
Be Kind Rewind (2008)
Beaches (1988)
Beautiful Creatures (2013) — Class I (major role)
Related post: A reel librarian’s multi-faceted role in ‘Beautiful Creatures’ (2013) ; Banned books in ‘Beautiful Creatures’
Beautiful Girls (1996) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Calling all the ‘beautiful girls’
A Beautiful Life (2008)
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) — Class II (major role)
Bed of Roses (1996) — Class IV (cameo role)
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Before Night Falls (2000) — Class II (major role)
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
Being Flynn (2012)
Belonging (2004, TV movie)
Beyond the Mat (2009)
Big (1988) — Class VI (librarian listing error):
Related post: No reel librarian, no biggie in ‘Big’
Big Bully (1996) — Class III (minor role)
The Big Sleep (1946) — Class III (minor role)
Billy Elliot (2000) — Class III (minor role)
A Bird of the Air, aka The Loop (2011)
The Birdmen, aka Colditz: Escape of the Birdmen; Escape of the Birdmen (1971, TV movie)
Black Gold, aka Day of the Falcon (2011)
Black Mamba (1974)
Blackboard Jungle (1955) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: The school library in ‘Blackboard Jungle’
BlacKkKlansman (2018) — Class II (major role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: First impressions: ‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018)
Blackmail (1929) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: ‘Blackmail’ and the British Museum
Blade (1998) — Class III (minor role)
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Reel archivist in ‘Blade Runner 2049’
Blind (2017)
Bliss (1997) — Class III (minor role)
Blood Cult, aka Slasher (1985)
Bloody Bender’s Return (2003)
Bloom (2003)
Bloomington (2010) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: In the ‘Bloomington’ stacks
The Blot (1921) — Class II (major role):
Related post: Silence is golden in the silent film ‘The Blot’
Bluebeard’s Ten Honeymoons (1960)
Body Bags (1993, TV movie)
Bon Voyage! (1962) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘Bon voyage’ to the ship’s librarian
The Bonesetter (2003)
The Book of Eli (2010)
The Book Thief (2013)
Bookies (2003) — Class I (major role)
Booky’s Crush (2009, TV movie)
Born Yesterday (1993)
Borstal Boy (2000) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: A ‘borstal’ kind of librarian
Boston Blackie and the Law (1946) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘Boston Blackie’ and the shushing librarian
Bound by Honor, aka Blood In, Blood Out… Bound by Honor (1993) — Class II (major role)
The Box (2009)
A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)
Brainstorm (1983) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Brainstorm’-ing
The Brass Ring (1983, TV movie)
Brazil (1985) — Class I (major role)
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) — Class III (minor role)
Related post: Reader poll write-up, Spring 2022 | A reel librarian gets shushed in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961)
The Breakfast Club (1985) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: Reader poll write-up, Fall 2022 | ‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985) + its school library setting
Breaking Dawn (2004)
Bridge Across Time (1985, TV movie)
Brief Encounter (1945) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related posts: A ‘brief encounter’ with a librarian ; Revisiting favorites | ‘A brief encounter,’ Nov. 28, 2011
The Broken Gate (1920)
The Broken Gate (1927)
Bronson (2008)
Brutal Massacre: A Comedy (2007)
Bug Off! (2001)
Burglar (1987)
Buried on Sunday, aka Northern Extremes (1993)
Buried Secrets (1996, TV movie)
Burning Annie (2004)
The Bye Bye Man (2017)
C
Cabaret (1972)
Caesar and Cleopatra (1945) — Class VI (librarian listing error)
Cain and Mabel (1936) — Class III (minor role)
Cal (1984) — Class II (major role)
Calendar Girls (2003)
The Call of Cthulhu (2005) — (includes a reel archivist)
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)
The Canal (2014)
Candyman (2021)
Cape Fear (1962) — Class IV (cameo role)
The Captain Hates the Sea (1934)
Captain Marvel (2019) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: First impressions: ‘Captain Marvel’ and its archives scene ; A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Three
Carolina Skeletons (1991)
Caroline? (1990, TV movie) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: I got your Information Provider right here, in ‘Gods and Monsters’ and ‘Caroline?’
Carrie (1976)
Carrie (2002, TV movie) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Getting carried away in ‘Carrie’ (2002)
Carrie (2013)
Carry On, Columbus (1992)
Casanova (2005) — Class V (bookstore scene without librarians):
Related post: Casanova, the lover and the librarian, in real life and in ‘Casanova’ (2005)
Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997)
The Catman of Paris (1946)
Catwoman (2004)
The Caveman’s Valentine (2001) — Class III (minor role)
The Census Taker (1998)
Chain Gang Women (1971)
Chainsaw Sally (2004) — Class I (major role; title character):
Related posts: Little miss serial killer librarian in ‘Chainsaw Sally’ ; Conan the Librarian and Chainsaw Sally ; Revisiting favorites | ‘Serial killer librarian,’ Oct. 30, 2013
Chameleon Street (1989)
Chances Are (1989) — Class II (major role):
Related post: Librarian by ‘chance’
The Changeling (1980) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: The fastest librarian in the West, as seen in ‘The Changeling’
Chapter Two (1979)
Checked Out (2003)
Cheers for Miss Bishop (1941) — Class V (library references without librarians):
Related post: ‘Cheers for’ library education
Chernobyl (2019, TV mini-series)
A Child Lost Forever: The Jerry Sherwood Story (1992, TV movie)
Children of a Lesser God (1986) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: Silence and the school library in ‘Children of a Lesser God’ (1986)
Chimera (1991, TV movie)
Chinatown (1974)
Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story (1995, TV movie)
The Chosen (1981) — Class V (library scene without librarians)
Christine (1983) — Class III (minor role)
Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy (2017, TV movie)
Christmas on Division Street (1991, TV movie)
Circle of Friends (1995)
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant (2009)
Citizen Kane (1941) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist)
City of Angels (1998) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘City of’ librarians
City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold (1994) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: A tale of seven shushes in ‘City Slickers II’
The Claydon Treasure Mystery (1938)
Clean, Shaven (1994) — Class III (minor role)
Cleopatra (1963)
The Client (1994)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Cloud Atlas (2012)
The Cobweb (1955)
The Cockeyed Miracle (1946)
Cold Weather (2010)
Colette (2018)
Collateral (2004)
The Color of Magic, aka The Colour of Magic (2008, TV movie) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: A magical librarian in ‘The Color of Magic’
Columbus (2017) — Class I (major role):
Related posts: Reel librarian films make ‘best of’ lists for 2017 ; First impressions guest post: ‘Columbus’
Coma (1978)
The Comfort of Strangers (1990) — Class VI (librarian listing error)
Coming Up Easy (2004)
Commandments (1997)
Community College (2008)
Compensation (1999)
Complicity, aka Redemption (2000)
Computercide (1982, TV movie)
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (1939) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Confessions’ of a reel librarian
Conspiracy (2008)
Conspiracy of Silence (1991, TV movie)
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989) — Class VI (librarian listing error)
Cooley High (1975)
Cop-Out, aka Stranger in the House (1967)
The Countess Alice (1992)
A Crafty Christmas Romance (2020, TV movie)
Credo (2008)
The Creeps (1997)
Criminal (2016)
Crime Scene: The Bobby Ray Summers Story (2008)
Criminal Law (1988) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Criminal Law’ librarian
The Crimson Kimono (1959)
Cry Wolf (2005)
Cthulhu (2007)
Curse of the Demon, aka Night of the Demon (1957) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Positive portrayal of a reel librarian in ‘Curse of the Demon’
The Cursed (2010)
Cyber Seduction: His Secret Life (2005, TV movie)
D
The Da Vinci Code (2006) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: Comparing library scenes between the original book and movie version of ‘The Da Vinci Code’
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Dangerous Child (2001, TV movie)
Dangerous Minds (1995) — Class IV (cameo role)
The Dark (2005)
The Dark Crystal (1982)
Dark Heritage (1989)
Dark Remains (2005)
Dark Web: Cicada 3301 (2021)
Darkness (2002)
David Searching (1997)
Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway (1976, TV movie)
The Day After Tomorrow (2004) — Class III (minor role)
The Day of the Jackal (1973)
The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)
Days of the Bagnold Summer (2019)
Dead Heat (1988)
Deadline U.S.A. (1952)
Deadly Dreams (1988)
Deadly Illusions (2021)
Dear Frankie (2004) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Moving mountains — all in a day’s work in ‘Dear Frankie’
Death of a Son (1988, TV movie)
Death Defying Acts (2007)
Death of a Son (1989, TV movie)
Debbie Does Dallas (1978)
Deceived (1991)
December (1991)
Deception: A Mother’s Secret (1991, TV movie)
The Deep (1977)
Deep Gold (2008)
Deep Gold 3D (2011)
Defense of the Realm, aka Defence of the Realm (1985)
Delivery Boys (1984)
Demolition Man (1993) — Class V (library reference without librarians):
Related post: Library of the future (?) in ‘Demolition Man’
Demons and Doors (2012)
Desk Set (1957) — Class I (major role):
Related posts: Comparing two ‘Desk Sets’ (and I don’t mean furniture) ; Revisiting favorites | ‘Comparing two desk sets,’ Jan. 26, 2012
Desperado (1995)
Desperate Measures (1998)
Destiny (1944)
The Detective, aka Father Brown (1954)
The Devil’s Cargo (1948)
The Devil’s Carnival 2 (2013)
The Devil’s Keep (1995)
Devils of Darkness, aka Talisman (1965)
Digging Holes (1999)
Dinotopia (2002, TV mini-series)
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (2014) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: A ‘disappear’-ing reel librarian
The Disappearance of Harry (1982, TV movie)
The Dive from Clausen’s Pier (2005, TV movie)
Divine Reality (2001)
Do Me a Favor (1997)
Do Revenge (2022)
Doctor in Love (1960)
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Doctor Strange (2016) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Sorcerer librarians of ‘Doctor Strange’ ; 3 reel librarians who have died in the line of duty ; Perspectives about Wong’s reel librarian character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ; A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Three
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) — Class II (major role):
Related post: First impressions: 18 thoughts and questions I had about Wong while watching ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ (2022) ; A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Four
Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Dogs (1976)
The Dollhouse Murders, aka Secrets in the Attic (1992)
Dolphins (2007)
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (2010)
Don’t Look Down (1998, TV movie)
Don’t Look Under the Bed (1999)
Double Jeopardy (1999) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: A variety of research scenes in ‘Double Jeopardy’
Down with America (1997)
Down With Love (2003)
Draghoula (1995)
Dragonfly, aka One Summer Love (1976)
Dread (2009)
Dream With the Fishes (1997) — Class IV (cameo role)
Dreams for Life (2004)
The Drivetime (1995)
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) — Class IV (cameo role)
Dungeons and Dragons (2000) — Class I (major role)
The Dunwich Horror (1970)
E
Echo, aka Deadly Echo (1997, TV movie)
Edmond (2005)
Educating Rita (1983)
Einstein and Eddington (2008, TV movie)
Elephant (2003) — Class III (minor role)
Ella Enchanted (2004) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: A not-so-enchanting librarian in ‘Ella Enchanted’
Elves (1990)
The Emperor’s Club (2002)
The Empty Beach (1985)
Encounters, aka Voyage into Fear (1993)
Enough Said (2013) — Class II (major role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: ‘Enough, said’ the librarian
Entertaining Mr. Sloane (1970) — Class V (library reference without librarians):
Related post: Are you not entertained?! Library references in ‘Entertaining Mr. Sloane’
Entrusted (2003, TV movie)
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Ernest Rides Again (1993)
Escape from Alcatraz (1979) — Class III (minor role)
Escape from New York (1981)
Eternals (2021) — Class V (archives scenes without an archivist)
Related post: A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Four
Ever After (1998) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Ever After,’ my library
Ever Since the World Ended (2001)
Everybody’s Doing It (2002, TV movie)
Everything’s Jake (2000)
Evil Has a Face (1996, TV movie)
Evil in Clear River (1988)
Evil in the Woods (1986)
An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000) — Class I (major role)
The Eyes of Julia Deep (1918)
F
The F-Zone (1999)
The Face at the Window (1998)
The Faculty (1998)
Fahrenheit 451 (1966) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: Books and book-burning in ‘Fahrenheit 451’
The Failing of Raymond (1971, TV movie)
Fancy Dancing (2002)
Fast and Loose (1939) — Class I (major role)
Fatal Attraction (1987) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Law librarian sighting in ‘Fatal Attraction’
Father Makes Good (1950)
The FBI Story (1959) — Class II (minor role)
Field of Dreams (1989)
Fighting Trouble (1956)
Final Analysis (1992)
The Final Cut (2004) — Class VI (librarian listing error)
Final Notice (1989)
Finding Forrester (2000) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Finding’ a reel librarian
Fingersmith (2005, TV mini-series)
Firestarter 2: Rekindled (2002)
The Firm (1993)
…First Do No Harm (1997, TV movie) — Class IV (cameo role)
First to Die, aka 1st to Die (2003, TV movie)
Flaxy Martin (1949)
Flesh and Fantasy (1943)
Fletch (1985)
Flight of the Intruder (1991) — Class III (minor role)
The Fog (2005)
Follow the Stars Home (2001, TV movie) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Meet Hannah in ‘Follow the Stars Home’
Food of the Gods II, aka Food of the Gods Part 2; Gnaw – Food of the Gods: Part 2 (1989)
Footloose (1984)
Footloose (2011)
For Them That Trespass (1949)
Forbidden (1932) — Class I (major role)
Forbidden (1984)
Foreign Affairs (1993, TV movie)
Forever Mine (1999) — Class II (major role):
Related post: Forever my librarian in ‘Forever Mine’
Forever Young (1992)
The Forgotten (2004) — Class IV (cameo role)
Foul Play (1978) — Class I (major role)
The Fragile Heart (1996, TV movie)
Frankenstein (2004, TV movie)
Freaky Friday (1995, TV movie)
The Freeze Out (1921)
The French Dispatch (2021)
Frenchman’s Farm (1987)
Friends (1993)
Fright Flick (2008)
Fright Night (2011)
From a Whisper to a Scream, aka The Offspring (1987) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Welcome to Oldfield, ‘From a Whisper to a Scream’
From Prada to Nada (2011)
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, aka The Hideaways (1973) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related posts: ‘From the mixed-up files’ of a private library ; Revisiting ‘The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler’ for its 50th anniversary
Fulgazi (2004)
Fun (1994)
The Fury Within (1998, TV movie)
G
Gallowglass (1993, TV movie)
Gangster Story (1960)
The Garden (1995)
Genghis Cohn (1993, TV movie)
Georgia (1988)
Gentlemen are Born (1934)
Getting In, aka Student Body (1994)
Getting It On (1983)
Ghost Cat, aka Mrs. Ashboro’s Cat and The Cat that Came Back (2004, TV movie)
Ghost Lake (2004)
The Ghost of Mickey Bullock (2003)
Ghostbusters (1984) — Class III (minor role):
Related posts: Who you gonna call? Not the librarians in ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) ; A closer look at the reel librarians in the original ‘Ghostbusters’
Ghostbusters (2016) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: Analyzing the library scene in the ‘Ghostbusters’ remake
Ghoul from the Tidal Pool (2010)
Gideon’s Trumpet (1980, TV movie) — Class III (minor role)
The Gift (1988, TV movie)
The Gilded Lily (1935)
Ginger Snaps (2000)
A Girl Named Tamiko (1962)
The Girl Next Door (2004)
The Girl on the Late, Late Show (1974, TV movie)
The Girl Rush (1955)
The Girl Who Couldn’t Lose (1975, TV movie)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: The Lindgren trilogy | Comparing the archivist character in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ book and film versions
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: If looks could kill in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’
Girls’ School (1938)
The Giver (2014)
Gods and Monsters (1998) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: I got your Information Provider right here, in ‘Gods and Monsters’ and ‘Caroline?’
The Golden Child (1986) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: The dragon lady librarian in ‘The Golden Child’ (1986)
The Golden Compass (2007)
GoldenEye (1995)
Gone Girl (2014)
The Good Companions (1933) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: The shush heard ’round the world in ‘The Good Companions’
Good Buys Bad Guys: Only the Young Die Good (1997, TV movie)
Good News (1947) — Class I (major role)
Goodbye Bafana, aka The Color of Freedom (2007)
Goodbye, Columbus (1969) — Class I (major role)
Gracie Rose (2008)
Graduation (2007)
The Graduate (1967)
Grave Misconduct (2008, TV movie)
Grave of the Vampire, aka Seed of Terror (1974)
Gross Anatomy, aka A Cut Above (1989)
Guarding Tess (1994)
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)
The Guilt Trip (2012)
The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag (1992) — Class I (major role; title role)
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
Guns & Lipstick (1995)
H
The Half Life of Timofey Berezin, aka PU-239 (2006)
Half Light (2006)
Hammett (1982) — Class II (major role)
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
The Handmaid’s Tale (1990) — Class II (major role; title role):
Related post: The reel librarian in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
Hanging Up (2000)
Happy Together (1989)
The Hard Word (2002)
Harold & Kumar Escape to Guantanamo Bay (2008)
Harry and the Hendersons (1987) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: The ‘Bigfoot’ librarian
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002):
Related posts: Harry Potter and Madam Pince ; Revisiting favorites | ‘Harry Potter’ librarian, Dec. 4, 2012
Harvey Middleman, Fireman (1965)
Has Anybody Seen My Gal? (1952)
Haunted High (2012)
The Haunting (1963) — private library scene
Head Over Heels, aka Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979)
Heading Home (1991, TV movie)
Hear My Song (1991) — Class III (minor role)
Heart and Souls (1993) — Class II (major role)
Heaven Help Us (1985)
Help Me Help You (2009)
Henry Fool (1997)
Her Alibi (1989)
He’s on My Mind (2009) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Librarian ‘on my mind’
Hidden City (1988)
Hidden Figures (2016) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘Hidden Figures’ and its library scene ; A closer look at the library scene in ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)
The Hideout (2007)
High, aka In (1969, Canada)
High School High (1996) — Class IV (cameo role)
High School Musical (2006, TV movie)
High Society (1956)
Hilda and the Mountain King (2021)
Related post: Guest post: Analyzing the witchy librarian in ‘Hilda’ TV series + new movie
Hillbilly Elegy (2020)
Holly & Ivy (2020, TV movie)
Home by Christmas (2006, TV movie) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Home by Christmas’ librarian
Homicide (1991) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Smelling a rat in ‘Homicide’
Horror of Dracula (1958) — Class I (major role):
Related post: Reader poll write-up, Fall 2018 (scary movie edition) | ‘Horror of Dracula’
Hot Spell (1958)
The Hours (2002)
House (1995)
The House on Carroll Street (1988) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: An FBI librarian in ‘The House on Carroll Street’
How I Got into College (1989)
How to Win Enemies (2014)
Hugo (2011)
The Human Comedy (1943) — Class III (minor role)
Hysterical (1983)
I
I Love Trouble (1994) — Class IV (cameo role)
I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)
I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)
I Love You to Death (1990) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Love in the stacks in ‘I Love You to Death’
I, Madman (1989)
I Was a Shoplifter (1950)
Icebreaker (2008)
Idiocracy (2006)
I’m Dangerous Tonight (1990, TV movie)
Imitation of Life (1934)
Imitation of Life (1959)
In God’s Country (2007, TV movie) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: In Dewey’s country
In Plain Sight (2004)
In the Name of the Father (1993) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist)
Incident at Dark River, aka Dark River: A Father’s Revenge (1989, TV movie) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Incident at Dark River’ librarian
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
The Incubus (1982)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: Indiana Jones contradicts himself in ‘Crystal Skull’
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Indiana Jones and the’ reel librarian
Inferno, aka Dario Argento’s Inferno (1980)
Information Received (1961)
Inkheart (2008)
Inside (2006)
Inspector Gadget 2 (2003)
Interlude (1957)
The Internship (2013)
Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973)
The Ipcress File (1965)
Ironweed (1987) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Shushing Meryl Streep in ‘Ironweed’
Is there a Killer in My Family?, aka Island of Shadows (2020, TV movie)
It, aka Stephen King’s It (1990, TV mini-series) — Class I (major role):
Related post: Scary clowns + reel librarians
It: Chapter One (2017) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘It’ (2017) and its library scene ; First impressions: ‘It: Chapter Two’ (2019) and the town librarian hero
It: Chapter Two (2019) — Class I (major role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘It: Chapter Two’ (2019) and the town librarian hero
It Happened Tomorrow (1944)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) — Class I (major role):
Related post: ‘It’s a wonderful’… stereotype?
I’ve Been Waiting for You (1998, TV movie)
J
J. Edgar (2011)
Jack Frost (1998)
Jailbreak (1936)
The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)
The Jealous God (2005)
Jennifer’s Body (2008) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Paranormal research in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009)
Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) — Class I (major role; title role):
Related post: A Liberated Librarian ‘versus the volcano’
Joey Breaker (1993)
John Tucker Must Die (2006)
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ (2019) and its memorable fight scene in the NYPL
Johnny Apollo (1940)
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015, TV mini-series)
Judicial Consent (1994)
Jumanji (1995)
Jumper (2008)
Jungle Cruise (2021) — archivists
Junior (1994) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: A ‘Junior’ librarian
Juno (2007)
Jury Duty (1995)
Just Cause (1995) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘Just Cause’ to re-examine a Latina newspaper archivist portrayal
Just Looking (1999)
Just Us (1986)
K
Katherine, aka The Radical (1975, TV movie)
Katie Did It (1951)
The Kennel Murder Case (1933) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: ‘Kennel’ clubs and unsolved murders
Kes (1969)
Kicking and Screaming (1995)
Kill List (2011)
Kill Switch (2008)
Kill Your Darlings (2013)
Killer: A Journal of Murder (1995)
Killer Instinct (2000)
Killer Me (2001)
Killer Movie (2008) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Killer Movie,’ scary librarian
The Killing Kind (1973) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘The Killing Kind’ vs. ‘The Attic’
A Kiss Before Dying (1991)
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)
Knock Knock (2007)
Kristy (2014)
L
Labou (2006)
The Lady Forgets (1989, TV movie)
Lady in the Dark (1944)
The Lady of Names (2011)
Lady of the Manor (2021)
Ladybear (1985, TV movie)
The Ladykillers (2004)
Lamb (1985)
The Last American Virgin (1982) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘The Last American Virgin’ librarian
Last Call (2002, TV movie)
The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021)
The Last Lullaby (2008)
Last Night in Soho (2021)
The Last Supper (1995) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Not your typical ‘last supper’ ; 3 reel librarians who have died in the line of duty
Last Wedding (2001)
The Last Will and Testament of Marlboro Patch (2004)
Late Afternoon of the Living Dead (2007)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
The Learning Tree (1969) — Class V (library references without librarians):
Related post: ‘The Learning Tree’ and library cover-ups
The Legend of Cryin’ Ryan (1998)
The Legend of Lucy Keyes (2006)
Leonie (2010)
Let Them All Talk (2020) — Class IV (librarian cameos):
Related post: ‘Let Them All Talk’ about cruise ship libraries and librarians
Lethal Love Triangle, aka A Criminal Affair (2021, TV movie)
Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948) — Class V (library scene without librarians)
Letter to My Killer (1995, TV movie)
Libeled Lady (1936) — Class V (library references without librarians):
Related post: A ‘Libeled Lady’ and a library
The Librarian (1912)
The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (2004, TV movie) — Class I (major role; title role):
Related post: ‘Quest for the’ Liberated Librarian
The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines (2006, TV movie) — Class I (major role; title role)
The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (2009, TV movie)
Librarians (2011)
The Librarians, aka Strike Force (2003)
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Life Is Ruff (2005, TV movie)
Life of Pi (2012)
The Likely Lads (1976)
A Likeness in Stone (2000, TV movie)
Lily of the Dust (1924)
Little Big Boy (2012)
Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland (1992)
Little Secrets (1991)
Little Sister, aka Mister Sister (1992)
Lisey’s Story (2021, TV mini-series)
The Living Wake (2007)
Logan’s Run (1976)
London Spy (2015, TV mini-series)
A Long Way Home (1981, TV movie)
The Longest Yard (2005)
Look Both Ways (2022)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) — Class IV (cameo role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: My precious, my archives in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’
The Lords of Discipline (1983)
The Lords of Magick (1989)
Lorenzo’s Oil (1992) — Class III
Lost, aka Tears for Simon (1956)
Lost Horizon (1973)
The Lost Romance (1921)
The Lost Room (2006, TV mini-series)
The Lost Tree (2016) — Class V (library scene without librarians)
Love and Money (1982)
Love Route (2012)
Love Story (1970) — Class II (major role)
Love the Hard Way (2001)
Loverboy (2005)
Lucky Jim (1957) — Class V (library scenes without librarians)
M
Ma and Pa Kettle at Home (1954): — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘Ma and Pa Kettle’ and the Lady Librarian
The Mackintosh Man (1973)
The Mad Doctor (1941)
The Mad Librarian and Other Tales (2002)
Mad Love (1995) — Class IV (cameo role)
The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005, TV movie) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Your friendly local librarian in ‘The Magic of Ordinary Days’
The Magician (1926)
Magnolia (1999)
Main Street (2010)
Major League (1989) — Class II (major role):
Related post: Spring training and special collections in ‘Major League’ (1989) ; A reel librarian returns in ‘Major League II’ (1994)
Major League II (1994) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: A reel librarian returns in ‘Major League II’ (1994)
Making It (1971)
Malcolm X (1992)
Mama (2013)
A Man Betrayed, aka Wheel of Fortune (1941)
The Man in Blue (1937)
The Man in Grey (1943)
Man of God (2021)
Man on the Flying Trapeze (1935)
The Man Who Never Was (1956) — Class II (major role)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Library research montage in ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (2004) remake
Marathon Man (1976) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Meet cute ‘marathon’
Margie (1946)
Martha, Ruth & Edie (1988)
The Mask of Dimitrios (1944) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘The mask of’ organization
Massacre at Central High (1976)
Master (2022)
Matilda (1996)
Maxie (1985) — Class II (major role)
May the Best Man Win (2008)
McGuire, Go Home!, aka The High Bright Sun (1964)
McTaggart’s Fortune (2008)
Me Before You (2016) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Me Before You’ (and the library, too)
The Mechanic (1972)
The Medallion (2003)
Meet Joe Black (1998)
Meeting Mr. Subian (1996)
The Memory Thief (2007)
Men of Honor (2000) — Class II (major role)
Mercury Rising (1998) — Class IV (cameo role)
A Merry War, aka Keep the Aspidistra Flying (1997) — Class III (minor role)
Micky McGee Hates to Read! (2010)
Millionaires in Prison (1940)
Mindkiller (1987)
Miranda (2002) — Class II (major role):
Related post: Special double feature: ‘Miranda’ and the bibliothécaire
MirrorMask (2005) — Class III (minor role)
The Misadventures of Margaret (1998)
The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (1964)
Misery (1990)
Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell (1951)
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)
Mr. Moto in Danger Island (1939) — Class III (minor role)
Mr. Sycamore (1975)
Mommy’s Day, aka Mommy 2: Mommy’s Day (1997)
Monkey Trouble (1994) — Class III (minor role)
The Monster That Challenged the World (1957) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: Of ‘monsters’ and missing maps
Monsters University (2013) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘Monsters University’
Morning Glory (1993)
Moscow on the Hudson (1984) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: Gimme shelter in ‘Moscow on the Hudson’
Most Wanted (1997)
Movie Movie (1978) — Class II (major role)
Ms. Bear (1999)
The Mummy (1999) — Class I (major role):
Related post: Revisiting the reel librarian hero in 1999’s ‘The Mummy’
The Mummy Returns (2001) — Class I (major role)
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
Murder Ahoy (1964) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Here’s looking at you, Mr. Stringer ; Reel librarian Mr. Stringer returns in ‘The Alphabet Murders’ (1965)
Murder at the Gallop (1963) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Here’s looking at you, Mr. Stringer ; Reel librarian Mr. Stringer returns in ‘The Alphabet Murders’ (1965)
Murder in Trinidad (1934)
Murder Most Foul (1964) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Here’s looking at you, Mr. Stringer ; Reel librarian Mr. Stringer returns in ‘The Alphabet Murders’ (1965)
Murder She Said (1961) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Here’s looking at you, Mr. Stringer ; Reel librarian Mr. Stringer returns in ‘The Alphabet Murders’ (1965)
Murder Story (1989)
The Music Man (1962) — Class I (major role)
The Music Man (2003, TV movie)
Mutiny in the Big House (1939)
My Bodyguard (1980) — Class IV (cameo role)
My Boyfriend’s Back (1993)
My Dog Vincent (1998)
My Louisiana Sky (2001, TV movie)
My Policeman (2022)
My Science Project (1985) — Class II (major role)
My Side of the Mountain (1969) — Class I (major role):
Related post: Christmas with a reel librarian in ‘My Side of the Mountain’
My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: ‘My Super Ex-Girlfriend’ is not a librarian
My Super Psycho Sweet 16 (2009, TV movie)
My Week with Marilyn (2011) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: The royal treatment in ‘My Week with Marilyn’
Mystery Broadcast (1943)
N
Nailed (2001)
Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991)
The Name of the Rose (1986) — Class I (major role)
The Namesake (2006)
Nancy Drew (2002, TV movie)
National Treasure (2004) — Class I (major role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: Get out your white gloves and lemon juice! Reel archivist in ‘National Treasure’
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets (2007) — Class I (major role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: A reel archivist returns in ‘National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets’
Nature Boy (2000, TV mini-series)
Navy Blues (1937) — Class I (major role):
Related post: Reader poll write-up, Spring 2016: ‘Navy Blues’
Necronomicon, Book of the Dead, aka Necronomicon (1993) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘Necronomicon’: Dead on arrival
Never Been Kissed (1999)
The Neverending Story III: Escape from Fantasia (1994) — Class III (minor role)
The New Guy (2002) — Class III (minor role):
Related posts: The hand that rocks the school in ‘The New Guy’ ; Behind the blog: What goes into a film analysis post
New Port South (2001)
The Next Three Days (2010) — Class IV (minor role):
Related post: ‘The next three’ seconds
Nico the Unicorn (1988)
Night at the Museum (2006) — Class VI (librarian listing error):
Related post: How to spot the difference between a bookstore and a library onscreen | Book scene in ‘Night at the Museum’
Night of Mystery (1937)
The Night Strangler (1973) — Class III (includes a reel archivist):
Related post: ‘The Night Strangler’ and the underground librarian
Nightbooks (2021)
Nightfall (1999)
Nightmare (2007, TV movie)
Ninja Assassin (2009)
The Ninth Gate (1999)
No Man of Her Own (1932) — Class I (major role)
No More Monkeys Jumpin’ on the Bed (2000)
Noëlle (2007)
Normal People (2020, TV mini-series)
The Norman Conquests (1977, TV mini-series) — Class II (major role; title role):
Related post: Reel librarian ‘conquests’
Northanger Abbey (2007)
Nothing Personal (1980)
Now and Then (1995)
O
Obituary (2006, TV movie)
Oblivion (2013)
Obselidia (2010)
Ode to Joy (2019)
Odicie (2007, TV movie)
Off Beat (1986) — Class I (title role)
The Off Season (2004)
Old Gringo (1989) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Shushing the ‘Old Gringo’ librarian
Older than America (2008, TV movie)
Oliver Sherman (2010)
Oliver’s Travels (1995, TV mini-series)
Olympia (1998)
On a Clear Day (2005)
On the Beach (1959)
Ondine (2009)
Once Upon a Time … When We Were Colored (1995)
Only 38 (1923)
Only Two Can Play (1962) — Class I (major role)
One Missed Call (2008)
Ophelia Learns to Swim (2000)
Oranges and Sunshine (2010)
Ordeal by Innocence (1984) — Class IV (cameo role)
Osmosis Jones (2001)
Out of Sight (1998)
Out of the Blue (2022)
Out of the Body (1989)
The Oxford Murders (2008)
P
The Pagemaster (1994) — Class I (major role)
Painted Lady (1997, TV movie)
The Paper Chase (1973) — Class III (minor role)
Paperback Romance, aka Lucky Break (1994) — Class IV (cameo role
Paranoia (1998)
ParaNorman (2012)
The Park Bench (2014)
Party Girl (1995) — Class I (major role; title role):
Related post: Graduate library school discussion in ‘Party Girl’
The Party Never Stops: Diary of a Binge Drinker (2007, TV movie)
Past Due (2013)
Patch Adams (1998)
The Path of Evil (2005)
Peeping Tom, aka Face of Fear; Fotographer of Panic (1960) — Class II (major role)
Peggy (1950)
The Pelican Brief (1993) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Law librarian sighting in ‘The Pelican Brief’
Pendulum (2001)
Penny Palabras (2018)
The Perfect Bride (1991, TV movie)
The Perfect Nanny (2000)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Personals, aka Personal Ads (1990, TV movie) — Class I (major role)
The Phantom (1996) — Class III (minor role)
The Phantom of the Opera, aka Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera (1989)
Phenomenon (1996) — Class V (library references without librarians):
Related post: Missed opportunities in ‘Wanted’ and ‘Phenomenon’
Philadelphia (1993) — Class III (minor role)
The Philadelphia Story (1940) — Class III (minor role):
Related posts: ‘What does thee wish?’ To analyze the librarian in ‘The Philadelphia Story’ ; Comparing the Philadelphia stories
The Photograph (2003)
The Physician (2013)
Pickup on South Street (1953) — Class IV (cameo role)
Related post: ‘South Street’ librarian
Picture Perfect (1997)
Pin (1988)
The Pink Chiquitas (1987)
Pirate Kids II: The Search for the Silver Skull (2006)
The Pit, aka Teddy (1981) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Pitfalls and fantasies in ‘The Pit’
Pizza: The Movie (2004)
Plain Clothes (1988)
Playroom (1990)
Plaza Suite (1971)
Pleasantville (1998)
The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
Porky’s II: The Next Day (1983)
Porn ’n Chicken (2002, TV movie)
Positive ID (1987)
Possessed (2000, TV movie)
Possession (2002) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Reader poll winner write-up, Fall 2017: ‘Possession’
The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972)
Pretty in Pink (1986) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: The school library in ‘Pretty in Pink’
A Previous Engagement (2008)
Prick Up Your Ears (1987) — Class III (minor role):
Related posts: Librarians make their mark in ‘Prick Up Your Ears’ (1987) ; Thoughts after reading ‘Prick Up Your Ears’ biography
Pride and Prejudice (1940) — Class III (minor role):
Related posts: ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and librarians ; Revisiting favorites | ‘Pride and Prejudice’ librarian, Feb. 18, 2014
Primary Colors (1998) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Teacher librarian in ‘Primary Colors’
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) — Class III (minor role)
Primer (2004)
The Prince and Me (2004)
Princess Protection Program (2009, TV movie)
Principal Takes a Holiday (1998, TV movie)
Prism (2007)
The Prodigal (1983)
The Professor and the Madman (2019)
The Program (1993)
A Promise (2013) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘A promise’ to a reel librarian
The Public (2017)
Public Access (1993)
Pulse (2006)
Pump Up the Volume (1990) — Class II (major role)
Putting It Over (1919)
Q
Quatermass and the Pit, aka Five Million Years to Earth (1967) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: ‘Quatermass’ and the librarian
Queen of the Damned (2002)
The Queen’s Gambit (2020, TV mini-series)
Quiet Please, Murder (1942)
Quiz Show (1994)
R
Rabbit Hole (2010)
The Race for the Double Helix, aka Life Story (1987)
Race with the Devil (1975)
Racing Daylight (2007)
Racing with the Moon (1984) — Class II (major role)
The Racket (1951)
Ragtime (1981) — Class III (minor role)
Raiders of the Living Dead (1986)
Rampart (2011)
The Reader (2008)
The Reading Room (2005, TV movie)
The Real Howard Spitz (1998)
RED (2010) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: The ultimate Information Provider in ‘RED’
Red Dragon (2002) — Class VI (librarian listing error):
Related post: Identity crisis in ‘Red Dragon’
Red Hot (1993)
Red Joan (2018)
Red Roses and Petrol (2003)
Regarding Henry (1991) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: ‘Regarding’ a public library
The Remake, aka 1988: The Remake; Showboat 1988; Showboat, the Remake (1977)
Remember Me (1995, TV movie)
Remember Me (2010)
Reno 911!: It’s a Wonderful Heist (2022, TV movie)
Resting Place (1986, TV movie)
The Return of Ironside (1993, TV movie)
Return to Peyton Place (1961)
The Returning (1990)
Revelation (2001)
The Rewrite (2014) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: ‘Rewrite’-ing the library
Ricochet (1991) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Hey! Mr. Book Man, find a book for me in ‘Ricochet’ ; 3 reel librarians who have died in the line of duty
Riding in Cars with Boys (2001)
The Right Questions (2003)
The Ring (2002) — Class III (minor role)
Rising Sun (1993) — Class IV (cameo role; includes a reel archivist):
Related post: Lilly the Librarian in ‘Rising Sun’
A River Runs Through It (1992)
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (2022)
Robot & Frank (2012)
Rocket Science (2007)
Rollerball (1975) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Reel librarians in ‘Rollerball’ | Analyzing the 1975 original film and 2002 remake
Rollerball (2002) — Class VI (no librarians):
Related post: Reel librarians in ‘Rollerball’ | Analyzing the 1975 original film and 2002 remake
Rome Adventure (1962) — Class I (major role):
Related post: It’s an ‘adventure’!
Room at the Top (1959)
The Roommate (2011)
The Rosary Murders (1987)
Rounding First (2005)
Roxy Hunter and the Mystery of the Moody Ghost (2008, TV movie)
Rubdown (1993, TV movie)
Rudy (1993) — Class IV (cameo role)
The Rum Diary (2011)
Running on Empty (1988) — Class IV (cameo role)
Rushmore (1998)
Rusty Leads the Way (1948)
S
The Saint: The Brazilian Connection (1989, TV movie)
Salmonberries, aka Percy Adlon’s Salmonberries (1991) — Class I (major role)
Salvage (2006)
San Francisco (1936)
Satan’s School for Girls (1973, TV movie)
Savage Messiah (1972)
Scandal Street (1938)
Scarecrow County (2019)
Scent of a Woman (1992) — Class II (major role):
Related post: ‘Scent’ of a student library worker
School Daze (1988)
The School for Good and Evil (2022)
Scorpio (1973)
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Scream Blacula Scream (1973) Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Scream’ librarian ‘scream’
Scream 2 (1997)
Scream 3 (2000) — Class III (minor role)
The Scream Team (2002, TV movie)
Screwballs (1983)
Sea Devils (1937)
Séance (2021)
The Search for Bridey Murphy (1956)
A Season for Miracles (1999, TV movie)
The Secret (2007)
The Secret Life of Girls (1999)
Secret Summer (2016, TV movie)
Separated by Murder (1994, TV movie)
The Serpent’s Egg (1977)
Seven, aka Se7en (1995)
The Seven Minutes (1971)
The Seventh Coin, aka Pursued; Worlds Apart (1993)
The Seventh Sign (1988)
The Seventh Victim (1943) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: The horror of an unethical librarian in ‘The Seventh Victim’
Sex and the City (2008)
Sex Tape (2014)
Shadow Man (2006)
Shadow of a Doubt (1943) Class III (minor role):
Related post: Closing time in ‘Shadow of a Doubt’
Shadow on the Wall (1950)
Shadowlands (1993)
Shadows in the Storm (1988)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) — Class IV (cameo role)
Related post: First impressions: Wong’s cameos in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (2021) ; A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Four
Shanghai Knights (2003)
Sharks’ Treasure (1975)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — Class II (major role)
She Cried No (1996, TV movie)
Shelf Life (2005)
Shelter (2010)
She’s Working Her Way Through College (1952) — Class VI (librarian listing error)
Related post: ‘She’s Working Her Way through College’ — without a library!
Shine (1996)
Shock Treatment (1964) — Class IV (cameo role)
Shooting the Past (1999) — Class I (major role)
SideFX (2005)
Sidewalk Stories (1989)
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
A Simple Favor (2018) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Reel librarian cameo in ‘A Simple Favor’ (2018)
A Simple Plan (1998) — Class II (major role)
Sitting Pretty (1948) — Class VI (librarian listing error):
Related post: ‘Sitting pretty’ in the book shoppe
The Skulls (2000)
The Skulls III (2003)
Sky High (2005)
Slam Dance (1987)
Slaughter of the Innocents (1994)
Sleep Furiously (2008)
The Sleep Room (1998)
Sleepers (1996)
Sleeping with the Enemy (1991) — Class II (major role)
Sliding Doors (1998)
Slightly Dangerous (1943) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: ‘Slightly dangerous’ and snappy
Slipstream (1989)
Sliver (1993)
Small Faces (1996)
Smashing the Money Ring (1939)
The Smile Behind the Mirror (2010)
Smilla’s Sense of Snow (1997)
The Snapper (1993) — Class IV (cameo role)
Sneakers (1992) — Class VI (librarian listing error)
Snoopy Come Home (1972)
Snowball Express (1972)
So Well Remembered (1947)
Society’s Child (2002, TV movie)
The Socratic Method (2001)
Solitary Man (2009)
Solitude (2001)
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
Something Borrowed (2011)
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) — Class I (major role)
Somewhere in Time (1980) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Somewhere’ in the library
Son of Rusty (1947)
Sons & Lovers (2003, TV movie)
Sophie’s Choice (1982) — Class III (minor role)
Soul (2020) — Class V (library and archives scenes and librarian references without librarians)
Related post: Libraries and archives with ‘Soul’
Soul Man (1986)
Soulkeeper (2001)
Soylent Green (1973) — Class I (major role):
Related post: Reader poll of runner-ups, Fall 2016: ‘Soylent Green’ and the Books
Special Agent (1949)
Spellbound (1945) — Class V (librarian references without librarians):
Related post: Mistaken identity in ‘Spellbound’
Spencer’s Mountain (1963) — Class II (major role)
SPF-18 (2017) — Class V (research scene without librarians):
Related post: ‘SPF-18’ and search tips
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2019) — Class V (library scene without librarians):
Related post: A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Three
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: A round-up of library, archives, and reel librarian scenes in MCU’s Phase Four movies (so far)
The Spirit of Youth (1929)
Spotlight (2015) — Class III (minor role):
Related posts: ‘Spotlight’-ing a news library ; Revisiting favorites | ‘Spotlight’ on a news library, May 4, 2016
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965) — Class II (major role; title role)
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
The Squid and the Whale (2005)
Stand and Deliver (1988)
Stanley & Iris (1990)
Stanley’s Dragon (1994)
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998, deleted scenes)
Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) — Class III (minor role; includes a reel archivist):
Related posts: The Jedi librarian ; May the archives be with you | Shining the spotlight on the Jedi librarian ; A funny thing happened on the way to the Jedi library…
Stardust (1998)
Start Cheering (1938)
The Station Agent (2003) — Class III (minor role)
Stay Until Tomorrow (2004)
The Steel Jungle (1956)
The Steel Trap (1952)
Stellina Blue (2008)
The Stepford Children (1987, TV movie)
Stepping Out (1991)
Stones of Death (1988)
Storm Center (1956) — Class I (major role)
Storyville (1992)
Straight Talk (1992) — Class IV (cameo role)
Straightaway (1933)
Stranger in Town (1998, TV movie)
Strike Up the Band (19400 — Class II (major role)
Strip Mind (2007)
The Substitute (1996) — Class III (minor role)
Suburban Girl (2007)
Sugar Hill (1974)
Summer of the Monkeys (1998) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Glasses on, glasses off in ‘Summer of the Monkeys’
Summer School (1987) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Summer school’ in the library
Summertime (1955) — Class VI (librarian listing error)
The Sun is Also a Star (2019)
Super (2010)
The Sure Thing (1985)
Surrender Dorothy (1998)
Suspect (1987)
The Sweetest Gift (1998, TV movie)
Sydney White (2007)
Sylvia (1965)
The Symmetry of Love (2010)
T
Tail Gunner Joe (1977, TV movie)
Take Shelter (2011)
Tale of a Vampire, aka Warlock: Tale of a Vampire (1992) — Class I (major role):
Related post: ‘Tale of a’ gothic library
The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
Talking to Strange Men (1992)
Tangled (2001)
The Tao of Steve (2000)
Tears for Simon (1956)
Teen Woof Too (1987)
Teenage Mother (1967) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Reader poll write-up, Spring 2017: ‘Teenage Mother’
The Tell-Tale Heart, aka The Hidden Room of 1,000 Horrors (1960) — Class II (major role):
Related post: A librarian’s ‘tell-tale heart’
The Ten (2007)
Ten Inch Hero (2007)
Tennessee Johnson (1942)
That Darn Cat (1997)
That Kind of Girl (1963)
That Touch of Mink (1962) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: That touch of mistaken identity in ‘That Touch of Mink’
Theodora Goes Wild (1936)
They Might Be Giants (1971) — Class II (major role)
The Thief (1952)
This Beautiful Fantastic (2016)
This Happy Breed (1944) — Class III (minor role)
This House Possessed (1981)
This Rebel Breed, aka The Black Rebels (1960)
This Was Paris, aka So This Was Paris (1942) — Class III (minor role)
Thor (2011)
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2007)
Three Days of the Condor (1975) — Class V (library references without librarians):
Related post: ‘Three days of the’ researcher
The Three Lives of Karen (1997, TV movie)
Three O’Clock High (1987)
Threesome (1994) — Class IV (cameo role)
Time Changer (2002)
The Time Machine (1960)
The Time Machine (2002) — Class III (minor role)
Time of Her Life (2005)
The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) — Class II (major role):
Related post: ‘Time travel’-ing librarian
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979, TV mini-series)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) – Class III (minor role):
Related post: First impressions: ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) – Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: School library scene in ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’
To Love, Honor, and Deceive, aka The Protected Wife (1996, TV movie)
Tomcats (2001) — Class III (minor role)
Toronto Stories (2008)
Total Eclipse (1995)
A Touch of Courage (2007)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
The Tractate Middoth (2013, TV movie)
Trading Favors, aka Do Me a Favor (1997)
Trail of the Screaming Forehead (2007)
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Transylvania Twist (1989) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Reader poll write-up, Fall 2015: ‘Transylvania Twist’
Traps (1986)
Trash (1999)
Travis (1991)
Traxx (1988)
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945) — Class III (minor role)
The Trespasser (1947)
Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! (2022)
Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans (2021)
Troop Zero (2019)
Tru Confessions (2002, TV movie)
True Colors (1991)
The Truman Show (1998)
Twelve Monkeys (1995)
The Twelve Trees of Christmas (2013, TV movie) — Class I (major role):
Related post: Twelve reel lessons learned from ‘The Twelve Trees of Christmas’
Twilight Man (1996, TV movie)
Twisted Nerve (1968) — Class II (major role):
Related post: Twisted librarian love in ‘Twisted Nerve’
Twixt (2011)
The Two Jakes (1990)
Two:Thirteen, aka 2:13 (2009)
Two Yanks in Trinidad (1942)
U
UHF (1989) — Class III (minor role):
Related posts: He’s… Conan the Librarian! ; Conan the Librarian and Chainsaw Sally
The Ultimate Gift (2006) — Class III (minor role)
Ulysses (1967)
The Underground Man (1974, TV movie)
Undertaking Betty (2002)
The Undying Monster (1942)
Unearthed (2004)
The Unforgivable (2021)
The Unholy (2021)
Universal Signs (2008)
Unnamable II: The Statement of Rudolph Carter (1993)
Up the Down Staircase (1967) — Class III (minor role)
Urban Legend (1998) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: Striking out in ‘Urban Legend’
Utah Wagon Train (1951)
V
VAmL (2009)
Vault of Darkness (2009)
A Very Good Young Man (1919)
A Very Vintage Christmas (2019, TV movie)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008, Spain / US)
Videodrome (1983)
Violent Saturday (1955)
Virtual Nightmare (2000, TV movie, Australia)
Voices (1979)
Voyage into Fear, aka Encounters (1993, Australia)
W
Wacko (1983)
Wag the Dog (1997)
Waitress!, aka Soup to Nuts (1981) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: ‘Waitress!’ Librarian! Action!
A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
Walter and Henry (2001, TV movie)
Wanted (2008) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: Missed opportunities in ‘Wanted’ and ‘Phenomenon’
The War of the Roses (1989)
The War of the Worlds (1953) — Class II
WarGames (1983) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related posts: ‘WarGames’ and research ; Revisiting favorites | ‘WarGames’ and research, Dec. 31, 2014
A Warrior’s Heart (2011)
Washington Merry-Go-Round (1932)
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
A Way of Life (2004)
The Way We Were (1973)
We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2018) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: Public librarian sighting in ‘We Have Always Lived in the Castle’ (2018)
The Web (1947)
Web of Evidence, aka Beyond This Place (1959)
Wedding Crashers (2005, DVD bonus material)
Weeds (1987)
Weird Woman (1944) — Class I (major role; title role):
Related post: A ‘weird’ librarian
Welcome to Mooseport (2004)
Welcome to Sarajevo (1997)
Wet Gold (1984, TV movie)
Wet Hot American Summer (2001) — Class V (library scenes without librarians):
Related post: ‘Wet hot American’ library
Wetherby (1985) — Class II (major role)
What Dreams May Come (1998)
What I Love about Concrete (2012)
What’s New Pussycat? (1965) — Class V (library scene without librarians)
What’s Your Number? (2011)
When a Man Falls, aka When a Man Falls in the Forest (2007)
When the Wind Blows (1986)
Where the Heart Is (2000) — Class II (major role)
While the City Sleeps (1956)
The Whisperers (1967)
Whispering City, aka Crime City (1947)
Whispering Footsteps (1943)
The White River Kid (1999)
The Wicker Man (1973) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: Nymphomaniac librarian in ‘The Wicker Man’
A Wife on Trial (1917)
Wild Card (1992, TV movie)
Wilderness (1996, TV mini-series)
Wimps (1986)
Winnie (1988, TV movie)
The Winslow Boy (1999)
A Winter Romance, aka Colors of Love and An Autumn Romance (2021, TV movie) — Class I (major role; title role):
Related post: 31 thoughts and questions I had while watching ‘A Winter Romance’ (2021)
Winter’s Tale (2014) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: A research quest in ‘Winter’s Tale’ (2014) + how to tell the difference between microfilm vs. microfiche
Wishing Ring Man (1919)
Witchboard (1986)
With Honors (1994) — Class IV (cameo role):
Related post: With or without honors
Within the Law (1939) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: A librarian ‘within the law’
The Wives He Forgot (2006, TV movie)
The Wiz (1978)
Wonder Man (1945) — Class II (major role)
Woof! (1989) — Class III (minor role):
Related post: ‘Woof!’ Beware of librarian
The Words (2012)
Work It (2020)
World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
Wraith (2018)
Y
Yentl (1983)
You Can’t Get Away With Murder (1939) — Class II (major role):
Related post: Reader poll write-up, Spring 2015: ‘You Can’t Get Away with Murder’
You, Me and Dupree (2006) — Class III (minor role):
Related posts: ‘You, Me and Dupree’ — and the Naughty Librarian ; Revisiting favorites | Mandy the Mormon librarian, Aug. 26, 2015s
You Must Be Joking! (1965)
Young Bride (1932)
Young Cassidy (1965)
Young Frankenstein (1974) — Class V (library scene without librarians)
The Young Poisoner’s Handbook (1995)
Young Sherlock Holmes, aka Young Sherlock Holmes and the Pyramid of Fear (1985)
You’re a Big Boy Now (1966) — Class I (major role; title role)
Z
Z.P.G., aka Zero Population Growth (1972)
Zardoz (1974)
Zero Day (2003)
Zodiac (2007) — Class V (library references without librarians):
Related post: “You went to the library” | The importance of library books in ‘Zodiac’
Hello,
I’ve just stumbled on your blog, it’s really interesting! Well done on watching and compiling so many films with/about librarians!
One film I think you could add to your list is ‘I love you, Phillip Morris’ – there are a couple of scenes in a prison library with a library assistant doing a lot of shushing :). (I’ve checked IMDB but can’t confirm the name of the actor.)
Hope this is helpful!
Anna
Thanks so much, Anna — I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog! And I am adding ‘I Love You, Phillip Morris’ to my Master List right now — thanks for the tip! And the movie is available to request through my local library. BONUS! 🙂
An option to (from the dark side) would be Zelda Rubenstein’s bizarre librarian in the movie “Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon”, which is a satire of the slasher genre in the guise of a mockumentary…..
Thanks for the addition to the Master List! How big is the librarian role?
It’s a small supporting part, but memorable due to the fact it’s the creepy psychic lady from “Poltergeist” and narrator of those “true-life” haunted house “documentaries” on cable television.
It’s a key role, though, as she provides important (and cliched, like everything else in the film, but that’s the point of it) exposition for the protagonist in the movie.
Hi Jen!
Amazing list!
I did a quick search and didn’t see one of my family’s favorite library-centered movies (this is coming from the mom of an 11 year-old girl). There’s a fairy-library and famous fairy librarian and archivist in a 2012 Tinkerbell movie, “Secret of the Wings”. It’s beautifully animated and not as painful to watch/enjoy as it sounds.
Thanks for the fun! Looking forward to reading and discovering more films…
Kim Tyo-Dickerson
International School Librarian with a fairy-focused daughter
I will definitely have to add it to the list, thanks! 🙂
I watched Teen Wolf Too and there is a brief scene in a school library which shows Jason Bateman and a librarian.
Thank you for the new addition to my list! Definitely have to check out Teen Wolf Too 🙂
I came here to suggest The Pit but I see it’s already on your list. Very creepy movie that’s hard to find (there’s a low resolution copy on YouTube). I have it on VHS but I no longer have a working VCR.
If I had to guess going by your criteria, I would say the librarian is a Class I but I’ll leave that to you to decide.
Here’s a good trailer that shows the librarian within the first couple of seconds https://vimeo.com/27076441
Oh my goodness, that DOES look creepy! Thanks for passing this on! And I can understand now why one of the film’s alternate titles is ‘Teddy’… I will definitely need to see if I can track down a copy. This would be perfect for Halloween — every October, I focus on thriller or scary movies. 🙂
UPDATE: Kino Lorber Studio Classics has announced that it will be releasing The Pit this year on Blu-ray and DVD with a new HD master transfer. http://dailydead.com/kino-lorber-to-release-the-pit-1981-on-blu-ray-dvd/
This movie has notoriously been difficult to find with good video quality so this is great news for fans of the horror genre and I assume the Reel Librarian.
I was sure that nobody would have suggested Alice in Wonderland (1976) but low and behold, there it is on the list.
I’ll just add that the first 8 minutes are spent in a library, as mousy librarian Alice (Kristine De Bell) goes about her work while breaking into song. She definitely does not fit the stereotype of a typical librarian.
There are a couple different versions of this, one of which the director added some hardcore x-rated scenes after the fact. If that might deter you from watching, the other version is rated R and much better without the tacked-on scenes.
If you are still skeptical, you can read Roger Ebert’s positive review of the film, if you value his opinion. http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/alice-in-wonderland-1976
Kristine De Bell went on to have a great acting career, including a role as a C.I.T. in my favourite camp comedy, Meatballs. She recently returned to acting after a long absence, to raise her kids.
It’s on my list to watch! I have written about ‘Debbie Does Dallas’ — the play, not the film (yet), but it’s also on my list to watch and analyze!
Hold on…there’s a ‘Debbie Does Dallas’ play?!
Yep, I analyzed it here at https://reel-librarians.com/2012/01/30/debbie-does-a-play/. I checked out the play from my local community college consortium. 🙂
Hello Jen
I was wondering if you decided what movie you will be reviewing for Halloween? You’ve said that if you could track down a copy of The Pit, it would be perfect for the holiday.
Good news!
The Pit on Blu-ray can now be pre-ordered on Amazon and will be available on Oct 18th.
I’m really curious to know what you’d think of it.
Thanks for your comment and question! It takes some time for me to thoroughly review films, so I’m thinking there may not be enough time to get a copy of the movie (which you said isn’t available until Oct. 18), watch it multiple times, take notes, take pics, write the blog post, and get it posted by the end of this October… BUT I can try. Thanks for the tip about The Pit coming out soon — I also noted that it’s coming out on DVD. (I don’t have a Blu-ray machine.)
A quick update — I just pre-ordered a DVD copy of The Pit, so fingers crossed I get it in time for an analysis post next month! 🙂
That’s great news! I agree that it’s cutting it close for all the research you always do. I hope you enjoy this odd and creepy movie.
Hi! I’m writing from the library in a contemporary art museum in Spain. We are preparing a bibliographic exhibitions with our holdings, and your blog was really helpful. I would like to contribute to this list, because I just found that a public library is displayed in “Take Shelter” (2011). In our DVD it appears on 28 min 08 sec. I hope this is helpful!