8 Iconic Movies That Celebrate Libraries and Librarians

Imagine a cozy library gathering. Everyone brings their lunch, plops down in comfy chairs, and hits play on movies celebrating bookish worlds and the people who guide us from to another.

Sounds perfect, right? Well, we thought so. So here are some iconic, cozy bookish films to watch as summer winds down and autumn hits.

Desk Set (1957)

A little old, sure, but this movie is a sparkling and brilliant romantic comedy where a high-flying efficiency expert tries to automate a reference department (like we said, a little old), overseen by the brilliant and skeptical librarian Bunny. It’s witty, charming, and full of that delightful ’50s screwball energy.

It’s the perfect movie for when you want cozy banter and brains over brawn, and a little Katherine Hepburn thrown in for good measure.

Possession (2002)

Fancy a bit of Gwyneth Paltrow and Victorian poetry?

This dark, romantic thriller is the pick for you. It follows characters digging through Victorian-era manuscripts and archives. It’s moody, atmospheric, and will satisfy fans of literary mysteries.

The Name of the Rose (1986)

If a library isn’t enough atmosphere for you, how about a medieval, labyrinthine library? And what about if we add Sean Connery to that, too?

This classic is set in a monastery’s hidden library, and this film is the perfect combination of murder mystery, medieval theology, forbidden texts, and the eerie, dusty ambiance of ancient archives.

We’re big fans.

Quiet, Please: Murder (1942)

Love a whodunit? Who doesn’t!

This old movie isn’t as well-known as some of the others on this list, but it is just as delightful. It features book thieves, forgeries, and, of course, a murder… all within a public library.

One review of this hidden gem calls it “quiet but deadly,” and that’s enough alone to catch our attention.

Read or Die (2001)

Anime. Paper-controlling powers. Library action.

Yes, really.

This anime has a librarian heroine with paper-controlling powers and a story that’s inventive, thrilling and really… unique. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for anything weird, cool, and kinda thrilling.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

We all love a redemption arc, but it’s even better when it takes place in a dusty library.

The Shawshank Redemption sees the renovation of the prison library. But it becomes more than just that. It becomes a symbol of hope and transformation in an otherwise dire story.

Shooting the Past (1999)

When photographic archives are in danger, a group of librarians fights back.

This mini-series follows a photo archive put under threat and the passionate team of librarians determined to save it. It’s more than just a story; it’s hope. It shows how much our librarians love their work, love their libraries.

A Little Less Library (But Still Worth A Watch)

Now that’s not all. There are plenty of other movies and TV shows that feature libraries and librarians, even if they aren’t set entirely in the dusty stacks.

The Music Man (1962) is all about Marian Paroo, the local librarian and piano teacher in River City. She’s sharp, educated, and not interested in Harold Hill, a conman who is smoother than your average hardback book. The film features smashing music numbers, flirtatious filming, and a feeling like no other.

You’ve also got Foul Play (1978), which sees Goldie Hawn as a mild-mannered librarian from San Francisco. Somehow, as one thing leads to another, the librarian is pulled into an insane whirlwind of danger that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

Then we’ve got animated legend, The Pagemaster (1994). It’s every book-lover’s dream. A young boy is pulled into an animated world where libraries become living characters. There, he teams up with Adventure, Fantasy, and Horror, and together they journey through classic literature. sigh, a DREAM!

And, last but not least, we’ve got Ghostbusters (1984). Sure, the whole thing isn’t in a library, but the scenes in the New York Public Library are nothing short of iconic. Card catalogs flying open, drawers slamming, and, of course, the slimy specter. Irresistibly spooky.