Those of us lucky enough to have awesome librarians know that they are a treasure trove. They know where all the good books are hidden, and have a wealth of information.
That isn’t all librarians are good for. As gatekeepers of books, they have a special kind of complex humor that’s unique to them. They can use words in ways that will make us laugh in ways no one else can. Don’t believe me? Read on.
#1 Sacrilege
Staunch Star Trek fans around the world will be cursing at the heavens when they see this one. This masterpiece of a pun references the hilarious Disney movie “Shrek” and Star Trek with an elaborate poster to get its point across.
It’s not clear who is responsible for this one, but we do know it’s in a school library somewhere.
Source:
Thetrollfarmer via Imgur
#2 Anything but dogs
Obviously, no pets are allowed, but the librarians saw an opportunity for a light joke and took it.
Source:
lifebettergreen via Twitter
#3 You have been warned
No one likes rules. Chances are few will read them. Using the “cool guy” meme format laced with a few sarcastic words, the librarians here have achieved something nearly impossible. Laptops and phones were saved.
Source:
underatedd via Imgur
#4 “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry”
There’s something special about realizing you’re in on an inside joke. This one will probably fly over many people’s heads. It’s a reference to Dr. Who.
Didn’t get the joke? Well, Dr. Who is a great show with nearly 190 episodes for you to binge on. You’re welcome.
Source:
Randolphhiggins via Reddit
#5 I don’t remember the title, but it’s…
You’ll be surprised by how many people walk into bookstores and libraries with nothing but a vague description of a book’s cover. In honor of these lost souls, these guys put together something special.
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Karahdactyl via Twitter
#6 We feed off tears
They could have got their point across in a few bold words and phrases, but where is the fun in that? Librarians aren’t just paper pushers; they’re artists.
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Greenbloodedcomputer via Imgur
#7 Honorable knights
Now, this could have been an opportunity for a painful lesson. However, this library has more effective ways of keeping people on their toes. The well thought out stickers are a nice touch.
Source:
Anttu via Reddit
#8 Elegant puns
People just don’t get how to use puns. Using them all the time is messy. Hold back, wait, and wait some more. When it’s time, you’ll know. This right here is how it’s done.
Source:
padair720 via Instagram
#9 May the force be with you
Who doesn’t like a good Star Wars joke, especially one as elaborate as this one? The strips with Chewbacca were the icing on the cake.
Source:
Bensonseth via Instagram
#10 The best weapons in the world
It’s becoming clear now that Dr. Who is a favorite for many librarians. What’s sad is many people won’t get it unless they’ve seen the show.
Source:
HarryBCDresden via Reddit
#11 Donatello?
This picture was taken by a high school librarian after she found a turtle that had been missing for nearly a week. He was located “conveniently” near a book with the same name as one of lead characters in the Teenage Ninja Turtles, Donatello.
Source:
kaoswzrd via BoredPanda
#12 …too dark to read
Signs like these rarely scream humor. If you see any of these in school, it’s usually some boring announcement about this or that or some insightful quote on life and hard work. Imagine the pleasant surprise of those who bothered to read this one.
Source:
Reddit
#13 Tip of the hat to you
They are just two normal words that don’t stand out in a university library, but when you add the mirror…genius. I think the best way to rank universities, going forward, is to compare the jokes their librarians can come up with. The funnier they are, the better the school.
Source:
HiDDENkOOl via Reddit
#14 Minimalistic humor
How can you not appreciate the skill behind this? Sometimes less is more.
Source:
newboldcollege via Instagram
#15 Sneaky
The whole thing references the catchy single “Baby got back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot. If you know the song and hum the beat as you read this out loud, you start to realize how gifted this librarian must be.
Source:
soundthetrumpet via Imgur
#16 Just letting them know it’s safe
Libraries are more like the office. You’re there to get assignments done, do some research, beat deadlines, and that sort of thing. It can be more tedious than we’d like. Running into this is an easy way to replenish all your spent energy.
Source:
extendedhours via Reddit
#17 Alternative facts
How many people can combine politics and directions to a section in the library all in one go? That takes skill.
Source:
HatfieldColLob via Twitter
#18 Deceptive
The word “Notice” in bold is deceptively formal. We should also take a moment to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into making these signs.
It’s not like they can keep track of how many people find them funny, right? Their names aren’t even signed on them, so we don’t know whom we should thank. How selfless, right?
Source:
WombatJack via Imgur
#19 Anything to keep the lights on
It’s true, there’s nothing much that libraries can offer you in the cold winter. However, a sense of humor like that warms you up a bit, right?
Source:
Hopkintonhiller via Reddit
#20 They can be funny without words
Who would have thought that arranging things a certain way could be just as powerful as putting up signs with funny jokes? How can you not walk past this without a smile?
Source:
Imgur
#21 On the wrong side of the law
This library came up with a fun idea to take people’s mugshots. Their crime? Reading banned books.
Source:
CaptainSterling via Reddit
#22 Nananananananana…Batman
It’s the theme song to the old Batman cartoon. I guess it would be hard to get that one if you hadn’t heard the theme song before, but just look it up, I’m sure you’ll find it.
Source:
Kroi via Imgur
#23 Highly suspect
This one looks more like a prank than something an actual librarian would do. Imagine yourself walking to the mystery section and finding this. It feels like Russian roulette.
Source:
BoredPanda
#24 We have a winner
Towards the end of every year, this librarian dresses up as the reaper to collect books that are overdue. I wonder if all the kids with overdue and lost books actually cower in fear as she haunts the school halls in this outfit.
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MechEMmartriach via Imgur
#25 Batman approves of this message
This one is a clever pun in reference to the hit movie “Batman Returns.” Imagine how many more kids would willingly walk into libraries if all librarians were this cool?
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SheenaMaleena via Imgur
#26 Max will not be thwarted
Max is smarter than you think. Max always gets what he wants. Max will enter the library, even if you don’t let him. Max doesn’t care.
Source:
Thelosercrowd via Reddit
#27 Procrastination in a nutshell
This would be a great display in all school libraries and universities. Students with nearly due assignments and projects would be reminded that all that waiting for the right moment of inspiration is actually procrastination.
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Jaspersitwell via Imgur
#28 You have been warned
That’s the kind of energy people need when walking into libraries. I’d imagine it would be easy to pull off an hour or two uninterrupted hours of focus after having a chuckle from this one.
Source:
TNMurse via Reddit
#29 Another one
Here’s another tribute to all the people who have the title of a book on the tip of their tongues but just can’t quite get it right at the moment. The cover was indeed red.
Source:
Shidsembekar via Reddit
#30 I see you
Lest people think no one is watching, this hat looks like a panda when the librarian lowers her head. It’s hard to have a bad day after walking past the librarian wearing this one.
Source:
djhalfacookie via Reddit
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