Where shhh happens? I don't think so.

I've decided that I don't really like The Literary Gift Company. In particular, I don't like their idea of a mug for the librarian in your life, with the oh so funny phrase 'Libraries: where shhh happens'. They further compound this with the blurb for the item: "the perfect mug for librarians: we tried to do a mug which said "Go away I'm cataloguing, and shelving, and being nice to borrowers..." but we couldn't fit it all on." Yeah, very funny, we're all rolling around here laughing, but very quietly - I don't think.

Maybe I'm just being a tad oversensitive (in much the same way as not laughing at a racist jokes means you don't have a sense of humour) but I'm sick and tired of organizations perpetrating a sad, boring, out of date and inaccurate stereotype. I bet every librarian who has ever been given one of these bits of sad nonsense has smiled politely and put it at the back of the cupboard while secretly wishing to stick it right up the Literary Gift Company's own colon classification.

However, rather than being miserable about it, I've made my own version, which I think is far more accurate.

Libraries excitement mug by Philbradley
Browse more Library Mugs

There; I think that's rather better, don't you? If you can't quite read it all, it says "Libraries: where excitement, fun, games, internet, books, magazines, music, learning, playing, thinking, sharing, helping, caring, enthusing, wonder, amusement, happiness, exploration happens" (Feel free to buy one by the way - money I make from my Zazzle sales goes to charity.)

Comments

[Rita]

Oh Phil, you are funny. And I agree that stereotype-affirming paraphernalia like this can get tiresome (although I always appreciate getting library-related gifts from well-meaning friends and family!)

However, I am ALSO have to roll my eyes at things that try TOO hard to break the stereotypes - overtly sexy/naughty librarian type of stuff that seems trendy these days. But I'm a children's librarian, maybe that's why. :)

[Michele]

I am right there with you, Phil. I have been making posters showcasing the beauty of the library and have been fortunate enough to be retweeted by Margaret Atwood - but never thought about making them into mugs. Might have to get right on that - would love to donate back to our local library system. Our family would be lost without it. I tell my kids that librarians are superheroes disguised as librarians and they believe me!! My youngest told me yesterday he feels lucky knowing their secret and being able to see them because he has never seen Santa, or the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny.

xoxo michele

[Jo]

Phil, I hope you don't mind, but I gave you and your post a shout-out and links today on my blog. I do an occasional post about libraries, and thought this was a great topic.

Post: http://fluidityoftime.blogspot.com/2011/08/library-lagniappe-whats-deal-with.html

[Katharine Widdows]

I agree Phil, the New York Library Association probably could do better as well: http://www.nyla.org/page/gift-ideas-99.html

I love the Zazzle ones, especially this one: http://www.zazzle.co.uk/save_libraries_5_mug-168578711907781037

Going to have a trawl through now, might even buy one :)

[Val]

Hey Phil. I want to make an argument FOR 'where shhhh happens'. It made me laugh out loud simply because it IS so ridiculousy dated, cliched and stupid. Plus, it sounded a bit like where Sh** happens' and I think nearly swearing is fun and clever....

Just off to adjust my bun.

Yours, ironically...