By Narayan Prasad Mishra
On February 3, 2024, I visited the Public Library in Indianapolis, USA. As soon as I entered the library, I noticed a display cabinet showcasing new books. Among them, a particular book titled “The Librarianist” by Patrick DeWitt caught my eye. The title resonated with me personally and professionally, reminding me of Shanti Mishra, the legendary librarian, my beloved wife who established the Tribhuvan University Central Library in Nepal, and my own past as a librarian.
Though I was eager to borrow and read the book, time did not favor me. I had to leave Indianapolis for my home country shortly after and left the library without the book. Yet, the desire to read it lingered in my mind. A few months later, upon returning to Indianapolis, I visited the Westfield Washington Public Library, where I live, and finally borrowed the book on December 21, 2024.
Patrick DeWitt and His Literary Journey
A picture of the display cabinet of new arrival books in Indianapolis Public Library – Central Library, Indianapolis
Before delving into “The Librarianist”, I sought to learn more about its author. Patrick DeWitt, born in 1975 on Vancouver Island, is a Canadian novelist and screenwriter. He later acquired American citizenship and resides in Portland, Oregon. As of 2023, DeWitt has written five novels: *Ablutions* (2009), *The Sisters Brothers* (2011), *Undermajordomo Minor* (2015), *French Exit* (2018), and *The Librarianist* (2023). His works have garnered numerous awards, with *The Librarianist* winning the 2024 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.
DeWitt’s story is as remarkable as his writing. The son of a carpenter and a high school dropout, he cultivated his love for books through extensive use of public libraries. Unable to afford books at the age of 18, he spent countless hours reading in the Vancouver Public Library, immersing himself in knowledge and discovering new worlds. His journey underscores the transformative power of libraries—not formal education, but his relationship with libraries made him a writer.
The Librarianist: A Celebration of Libraries and Librarians
Because DeWitt is a regular visitor and user of the library, he is well-acquainted with the valuable role of libraries, library services, and librarians in imparting knowledge. It seems he holds librarians in high regard and has a deep appreciation for their work.
He wrote this novel, making the central figure or the hero of the book Bob Comet, a retired librarian who leads a quiet life until he begins volunteering at a senior center. DeWitt’s. “The Librarianist” centers on Bob Comet, a retired librarian living a solitary life in Portland, Oregon. His quiet existence takes an unexpected turn when he begins volunteering at a senior center. Through this new role, Bob reflects on key moments from his past, including:
– A childhood runaway adventure during World War II.
– A brief yet intense romance that ended in heartbreak.
– The profound meaning he found as a librarian.
The novel is a poignant exploration of loneliness, self-discovery, and human connection. It captures the essence of librarianship, portraying libraries as places of solace, discovery, and transformation.
Libraries: Foundations of Knowledge and Innovation
Reading about DeWitt’s relationship with libraries reaffirmed my belief in their critical role in society. A well-organized library with carefully curated materials and professional library services can nurture geniuses in any field—literature, science, technology, economics, philosophy, and beyond. Libraries democratize access to knowledge, empowering individuals to educate themselves and broaden their horizons.
Reflecting on Shanti Mishra and me’s contributions to librarianship in Nepal, I take pride in having laid the foundation for this noble profession in our homeland. Yet, I cannot help but feel disheartened by the lack of recognition for these efforts. While DeWitt credits libraries for his success, we, too, hoped that our work would inspire and benefit writers, scholars, and professionals who would honor our contributions. Tragically, Shanti Mishra, despite being the pioneer of this profession in Nepal, was forced to retire nine years early due to political interference.
The Librarianist: A Term Worth Embracing
The word “librarianist” does not appear in widely recognized dictionaries like Merriam-Webster. It seems it is either a very niche or a newly coined term. **-ist**: A suffix often used to describe a person who practices, is skilled in, or advocates a specific field or philosophy. Based on this, it can be interpreted that a “librarian” is a professional who works in a library, specializing in selecting, curating, organizing, disseminating knowledge, and providing access to information resources. A “librarianist” is someone who is deeply committed to or philosophically inclined toward the ideals and practices of librarianship. It could imply a professional advocate who goes beyond the traditional role of a librarian to embody the broader intellectual, ethical, and societal values associated with libraries.
DeWitt’s novel serves as a reminder of the profound impact libraries and librarians can have on individuals and society. As we look ahead, I hope to see more librarianists emerge—individuals who champion the transformative power of libraries and ensure their role in the development of nations is celebrated and valued.
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