A View from the Stacks: Noah Wyle is back!

The library was all a-buzz this week about two things:  snow closures for 1 inch of snow in Seattle and The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mine.

That is right, my old nemesis, Noah Wyle is back.  This time he is making librarians look like martial-art, weapons wielding archeologists.  Again!  (Isn’t this Harrison Ford’s gig?)  At the time of writing, the movie has yet to premiere on TNT, but I am willing to bet that it will be played in heavy rotation for the next few weeks, giving you all ample opportunity to check out Mr. Wyle’s wily ways.  Say that three times fast.

Since I have not seen it, I cannot comment on the actual merits of the made-for-TV film.  I liked the first movie and I figure the second movie will be fairly similar.  What I can comment on, though, is how to throw a “That Librarian-ER Guy is Back on TNT” movie party for all your friends that are not working in a library and thus do not feel any need to watch the film with as much reverence as one may wish.  If you will indulge me for a second, I would like to channel my inner Martha Stewart (more like Rachael Ray, but a little bit lazier and less perky) and suggest some tips for throwing one awesome viewing party.

First off, you need a TV with cable.  I would recommend that this be the time to convince your other household inhabitants that a new TV would be ideal.  Something nice, like a 56” flat screen with HDTV and the ability to auto-swivel should do the trick.  The TV should be placed in front of a wide variety of seating to accommodate all your guests.  I would also recommend that you buy some extra throw pillows.  Just because Pottery Barn has some very nice throw pillows right now.

Second, you need some snacks.  All snacks should have some sort of library theme:  cookies cut into shapes of books, pocket-part pita sandwiches and potato chips (pour the chips into a bowl because you do not want the sound of the chip bag to distract viewers).  Make sure to pair all of your snacks with the appropriate beer.  No wine at the venture.  It is either beer or water.  Be a stickler about this.  I would recommend anything pale in color with a nice hop for the movie and then maybe a nice holiday-ale inspired dessert beer.  In fact, if you can get your hands on some chocolate stout, you can make some nice stout floats after the movie and use that time to discuss, decompress and dissect the themes of the show.  I can write a whole homage to the topic of chocolate beers.  Thanks to you brewers for chocolate beer!

Finally, make a note on your invitations that people are to come dressed in their “library finest.”  This will make for an interesting social science experiment because it will tell you how your friends view librarians.  Are they working a stereotype?  Did they come in pajamas and slippers?  Instantly, you have provided cocktail hour conversation which will enhance the after show discussion.  Extra points will be awarded to anyone that wears stilettos.  That includes men.

Overall, you should have fun with this party and relax.  No decorations are really necessary.  You could always “borrow” a date stamp for the evening, but with a TV and some beer, you should satisfy everyone.

Full disclosure:  I think Noah Wyle is great.  No George Clooney…but a fine actor.

Stina McClintock, Library Technician, King County Law Library (Seattle) and Beer Judge (BJCP)