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And love Quote by Elizabeth McCracken

“People think librarians are unromantic, unimaginative. This is not true. We are people whose dreams run in particular ways. Ask a mountain climber what he feels when he sees a mountain; a lion tamer what goes through his mind when he meets a new lion; a doctor confronted with a beautiful…” quote by Elizabeth McCracken
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“People think librarians are unromantic, unimaginative. This is not true. We are people whose dreams run in particular ways. Ask a mountain climber what he feels when he sees a mountain; a lion tamer what goes through his mind when he meets a new lion; a doctor confronted with a beautiful malfunctioning body. The idea of a library full of books, the books full of knowledge, fills me with fear and love and courage and endless wonder.”

Elizabeth McCracken

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, Elizabeth McCracken, 2015

Librarians are passionate and imaginative, experiencing awe and courage in the knowledge they guard, contrary to stereotypes of being unromantic.

In simple terms: Librarians love books and knowledge, feeling fear, love, courage, and wonder.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and celebrate the imaginative spirit of librarians.

Themes

literature knowledge imagination stereotypes

Mood

inspirational respectful

Type

cultural motivational

When to use this quote

  • library programming
  • public reading events
  • educational outreach
  • career counseling for librarians

Key Concepts

cognitive curiosity emotional depth creative inspiration

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we challenge misconceptions about librarians?
  • What experiences reveal the depth of a librarian’s passion?
A Different Perspective

Stereotypes can diminish appreciation for the emotional richness of librarianship.

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