[ WP ] We built libraries because knowledge is power . What people do n't realize is power is energy , which is mass , which affects time and space .

Camille pulled up to the library and parked around the back, next to a dull red Corolla. She double checked the text to make sure she had read everything right. 
 
 It read: Camille, I need you to come to the library RIGHT NOW. I'll explain everything later. Jeremiah. 
 
 Jerry was n't one to send dramatic messages in the middle of the night like this, so obviously it was important. Hopefully this was n't some romantic gesture. She had always guessed that maybe he had feelings for her over the past few years, but she made sure to let him know that she was taken. 
 
 She jogged through the light rain and unlocked the back door. She carefully hung up her coat in the staff lounge and called out, `` Jerry, I'm here!'' 
 
 `` Camille,'' came Jerry's voice back. `` Come out to the main hall, will you?'' 
 
 `` Sure thing.'' The library was still on partial power for the night, so Camille carefully managed her way out into the hall in the half light. It was considerably brighter out here, far brighter than it should have been. Ahead of here there were numerous candles, some on tables, on top of piles of books, and a few candlesticks - the tall ones used for the cities Hanukkah display. Standing in the middle of the half circle of candles, wearing a ridiculous purple robe lined with silver trimming, stood a smiling Jerry. 
 
 `` Camille, do n't worry,'' he said extending his hand. `` Come over here please.'' 
 
 This was a romantic gesture. It was odd, but so was Jerry. This was so awkward, Camille could feel her cheeks flush with embarrassment. 
 
 `` Oh, Jerry, I...'' It was at that moment that Camille realized they were not alone. One the open end of the half circle of candles were three tall slender figures - and one short lumpy one. They stood elevated on a dais - the one that was used for the Spring Choir Festival. She could not see their faces, as they were wearing the same ridiculous robes that Jerry was wearing only with their hoods up. 
 
 Something in Camille's mind informed her that maybe this was n't some romantic gesture by Jerry, but rather a secretive cult meeting performing some ritual. Furthermore, they could be in the business of sacrificing virgins. Not that she qualified, but with her stand-offish nature and lack of fashion sense, she understood how people could make that mistake. 
 
 Jerry jumped to her side. `` Camille do n't be afraid, I can see that you are confused. But do n't worry, No one is going to harm you. These are just some people I would like you to meet. We,'' He paused for dramatic effect, `` are The Librarians!'' 
 
 Camille looked from Jerry to the cast of Librarians, each in turn. The short, lumpy one shifted uncomfortably. Camille bit her lip. 
 
 `` Okay, great, nice to meet you guys. But I'm not really into the whole fantasy role-playing scene, so sorry I have to bail.'' She backed away slowly. 
 
 `` Camille, Camille, Camille, Camille!'' Jerry grabbed her shoulders and led her back into the middle of the circle. `` Listen, I know this is weird, but I ca n't explain everything *yet*. We want you to join our ranks, but we've got to make sure you are worthy of it. If you pass, I can tell you all about it.'' He leaned in closer and said under his breath said, `` They're all really easy questions. Mostly a formality. At least play along for five minutes and then you can go if you want.'' He gave her hopeful look. 
 
 Camille pursed her lips and sighed. `` Fine. But this had better be good.'' She raised her eyebrows and gave what she hoped was a menacing look. 
 
 Jerry smiled. `` Great!'' He turned to the cloaked figures. `` Council of Librarians, Initiate Camille is ready to proceed.'' 
 
 The left-most figure stepped forward. `` Camille, do you uphold the pursuit of human knowledge as one of the most worthy ideals a sentient being can do?'' 
 
 Camille bobbed her head. `` Yes.'' 
 
 The first figured stepped back while the second stepped forward. `` Camille, do you swear that the power you gain from the knowledge you receive tonight will be only used for good?'' 
 
 Camille glanced at a smiling Jerry and back at the figure. `` Yeah.'' 
 
 The second figure gave her a thumbs up and stepped back. The third figure stepped forward. `` Camille, do you swear that you will keep this knowledge and power secret from all of those who are not of our order?'' 
 
 Camille frowned, but said, `` Yes.'' 
 
 The third figure stepped back and the fourth, short lumpy figure waddled forward. `` Ook?'' 
 
 Jerry cleared his throat. `` Oh, sorry, the chairman asks if you think yourself worthy to join the Brotherhood of The Librarians?'' 
 
 Camille was still staring confusedly at the short lumpy robe, not quite understanding what was underneath. After a moment, she said, `` Yes.'' 
 
 `` Let us confer.'' The first robed figure motioned for Jerry to join them. He gave Camille two thumbs up and bounded up to the dais. Together, the five of them whispered in hushed tones and, occasionally, grunts. 
 
 Less than a minute later they reformed their previous positions and Jerry hopped down to be besides Camille, beaming. 
 
 The first robed figure said, `` Librarian Jeremiah, we have found the Initiate Camille to be worthy of the order of the Librarians, commision he a Librarian in Training, and place her in your charge until that time she gains a facility of her own.'' Turning to Camille, they each voiced their congratulations. Except for the short, lumpy one, who voiced, `` Ook.'' 
 
 Jerry turned to the group. `` Thank you for coming, you may now return to your own libraries.'' The robed figures shuffled off, not towards the doors, but deeper into the library. Jerry quickly blew out the candles, returning the room to its darker state. 
 
 Camille turned to Jerry and hissed, `` Now will you tell me what's going on?'' 
 
 `` Yes, thanks for being patient. What I-'' he was cut short. At his foot was the short, lumpy hood figure, tugging a pant leg. 
 
 `` Ook?'' it said. 
 
 `` Oh, right! Excuse me chairman.'' Jerry pulled a banana out of his pocket. `` Thank you for coming tonight, I'll see you next Thursday for the Academicals game.'' 
 
 There was a sudden flash of light and sharp thud, like someone had popped a balloon, but in reverse. It had come from where one of the Librarians had shuffle down an aisle. `` What was that?'' asked a startled Camille. 
 
 `` That was one of the Librarians returning to their Library.'' Responded Jerry. There were two other flashes and thuds in succession, from different parts of the library. Camille watched the short lumpy Librarian wander down the fiction aisle labelled'P', which was soon after followed by a flash and thud. 
 
 Camille dashed around the corner. There was no one there. Ignoring Jerry's cries, she hurried around the rest of the library, not finding anyone even though no one had left through the locked entrances. 
 
 She came back to Jerry. `` Jerry, what is going on?!'' 
 
 `` Camille, have a seat.'' Both she and Jerry did. `` You've heard of the phrase,'Knowledge is Power?''' 
 
 `` Yeah.'' 
 
 `` Well, that's more true than we thought. Knowledge truly is power. That power can be converted into energy. Einstein was on the right track with his equations, but forgot to take human thought into it. With a little tweaking, we can understand that the knowledge that comes from a library can generate energy, which can be harnessed into mass, which can affect space and time. In essence, the library is one of the most technologically advanced places on earth.'' 
 
 Camille looked utterly bewildered. `` I do n't understand.'' 
 
 `` That's okay, I did n't at first either. Let me just tell you this then: Libraries are places of power, and Librarians can harness that power. We can use it to travel all over the world, if we wanted to! All the libraries are connected to each other through this power, L-space, wormholes, whatever you want to call it. Here, take my hand.'' 
 
 Camille hesitated. Then, gingerly, she placed her hand in his. With a flash and a Thud, their surroundings changed. The shelves here were taller, the books older, the aisles narrower. 
 
 `` We are at Oxford College. Take a look around.'' 
 
 Camille slowly edged her way towards the end of the aisle and looked down. This was definitely a different place, and it was always what she imagined Oxford to look like. She gave out a shriek and ran back to Jerry. `` What is going on!?'' 
 
 `` I told you, Librarians can travel between libraries. And I just took you to one of the most famous libraries in England. But we can go back now.'' Before Camille had time to protest, Jerry laid a hand on her shoulder and they were back in their home Library. 
 
 `` Do n't do that again without asking me first.'' Camille felt slightly dizzy. 
 
 `` Okay, I wo n't.'' Jerry smiled. `` Listen. I know this is a lot to take in, but this is important stuff. You have been selected to be a member of the Librarians, to be trained in this awesome power. And I am going to teach you it.'' 
 
 Camille took a seat and looked at her feet. `` I'm not really sure I'm ready for this. This is just too much.'' 
 
 Jerry nodded. `` I understand. But, what if I told you that we can travel to any book you wanted too?'' 
 
 Camille looked up. `` What do you mean?'' she asked, narrowing her eyes. 
 
 `` I mean,'' said Jerry, grinning, `` that books are not just made up stories, but portals to other worlds. Would you like to visit them?'' 
 
 Camille thought this over. `` Maybe one, but that does n't mean I want to actually be a part of this!'' 
 
 Jerry held up his hand defensively. `` I wo n't force you to do anything you do n't want to do. But come with me and we can go inside any book. Maybe I'll even show you which story I'm originally from.'' 
 
 `` Wait, you're not from this world?'' 
 
 `` Maybe.'' Jerry said with a twinkle in his eye. `` But right now, it's time for you to pick a book.'' 
 
 `` Which one? I mean, how do I choose?'' 
 
 Jerry shrugged. `` That's up to you. Preferably something before the 1920's because copyright is tricky.'' 
 
 `` Huh?'' 
 
 `` Librarian joke. Come on, where are we going?'' 
 
 Camille gazed across the library, eyeing each shelf with a new sense of wonder. After a moment, she grabbed Jerry's hand and pulled him down the long hallway. `` I know just the one.''
