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William the Librarian

@williamottens.com
3.2K followers 705 following 618 posts

Librarian in Kansas City. Creator of librarianproblems.com. Author of LIBRARIAN TALES. Lover of all things cats and books. He/him. williamthelibrarian.com 🏳️‍🌈📚😺

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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 17/09/2026
Still thinking about my lunch today. Now that I work downtown, I’ll definitely be a regular at Kansas City’s Wrap It Up!
The interior of a counter service taco restaurant with a menu on the back wall, a leafy plant on the counter, next to a food prep counter with a sneeze guard.Two corn tortilla tacos on a white platter.
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Martha Hickson @sassylibrarian.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
“An Emmy doesn't stop a book ban … We need to turn this moment of recognition into a moment of action.”
action.everylibrary.org
Librarians Won the Emmys!
We need to turn this moment of recognition into a moment of action.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 10/09/2026
It’s my last day at my current library and… I helped dress “Ms. Frizzlestraw,” the library’s entry into the local history museum’s scarecrows on parade fundraiser
A mannequin body was dressed like Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School bus, with straw coming out of the dress. A head with an orange wig is next to it.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 09/09/2026
If you’re looking for a library gig in the Kansas City area, my job is up for grabs! This is my last week in this role — one that is tough to leave. The team is so great to work with, plus, they have an upcoming expansion and renovation!
basehorlibrary.com
Employment Opportunities - Basehor Community Library
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 03/09/2026
This lovely creature greeted me at the library this morning
A brown preying mantis with green legs on a grey, stucco wall
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 03/09/2026
If you’re in KCMO and are at all arachnophobic, I highly suggest avoiding the stairs on the Town of Kansas Birdge at 6:00 on a warm summer morning. Every corner of every landing had a web with a huge brown spider on it. If you’re the kind of weirdo like me who’s fascinated by them go check it out!
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 31/08/2026
So I've been applying to different positions at my dream library for about 5 years. Wasn't sure it would ever happen, but I officially start there in two weeks!
A screenshot from an email with confetti, balloons, and "Welcome to The Kansas City Public Library!"
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 25/08/2026
This one really helped me when my husband and I spent some time apart back in 2020 (one of the toughest years for everyone, I know). Thank you, Dolly 🫶💔
open.spotify.com
Lonely Comin' Down
Dolly Parton · Jolene (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1974
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 25/08/2026
WHY?! 😭💔
people.com
Dolly Parton, Country Music Legend, Dies at 80, Just 4 Days After Saying, ‘I Still Have so Many Things I Want to Achieve’
Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. The country music legend was known for songs including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” She also starred in movies like ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘T...
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 25/08/2026
Finally visited The Rabbit Hole in North Kansas City. It’s a whimsical, bookish dream!
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Matt @mattlibrarian.eurosky.social · 10/08/2026
Sharing my Dewey Decimal Classification Lego Card Game for any back to school Library folk who may need something new for library lessons this year teenlibrarian.co.uk/2014/09/09/d... 📚📜
Eight cards: four from the Dewey Deck featuring DDC numbers and four from the picture deck, featuring Lego minifigs
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 09/08/2026
Happy National Book Lovers Day from your average book loving librarian! How appropriate that I get to spend it working at the library.
A shelf of library books A selfie of me in front of a shelf of library books. I’m wearing a maroon polo and a tan hat.Me standing and looking at a book in an isle of library stacks. My hand holding up a copy of my book Librarian Tales in front of a shelf of library books.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 08/08/2026
Tried so hard not to be that grouchy old librarian to the church youth group who showed up unannounced for a scavenger hunt to find books published in each decade and rushed through the stacks pulling books off the shelves and returning them in random places and backwards and then left. So hard. 😬😭
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 05/08/2026
Did I just add my own book to the Book Lovers Day display at my library? 🤔 Why, yes. Yes I did. 😂
A library end cap display with books about books and libraries.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 04/08/2026
6 summers in Kansas City = 6 @kclibrary.bsky.social Summer Reading pint glasses!
A bookshelf with 6 pint glasses in front of a row of books. Each has different summer reading artwork on it. The one on the right says “Read Score Roar!”
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Nate Chamberlain @natechamberlain.com · 01/08/2026
We're in the last week of fundraising for Starry Night at Starlight, & @williamottens.com & I need your help Our goal is to raise another $1,500 for Starlight's internship program. Every donation helps create opportunities for young people seeking arts careers secure.givelively.org/donate/starl...
secure.givelively.org
Donate to William Ottens & Nate Chamberlain's Fundraiser for Starry Night at Starlight 2026 by Starlight Theatre
Starry Knight at StarlightPresented by Stepp & Rothwell and Janssen Estate Probate and Elder LawSaturday, August 8th, 20266:00 - 11:30 p.m.Starry Night at Starlight highlights the sixth class of ...
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 12/07/2026
Lizard Under the Skillet done! Longest bike ride @natechamberlain.com and I have done so far — 31 miles south of Lawrence.
A selfie of me (on the left) and Nate in bike helmets in front of SAG stop tents.A screen shot of a green map with a bike route marked on it.A selfie of me (on the left) and Nate in bike helmets in front of SAG stop tents. I’m eating a piece of watermelon.
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Becky Calzada @becalzada.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The Librarians Film is officially a nominee for an EMMY! I’m so proud to be a part of this film documenting librarians on the censorship frontlines. @thelibrariansfilm.bsky.social @pbs.org
Emmy Nominee Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category: The Librarians a film by Kim A. Snyder.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 06/07/2026
Shaping up to be quite the Monday at the library today. Phones and Internet haven’t been working all morning. Now someone just slipped off one of the toilets in the men’s room and busted the seat in half. They’re okay, thankfully.
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Kansas City Public Library @kclibrary.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Library 🤝 Soccer We have had so much fun hosting various watch parties at our locations. ⚽ The Library is a gathering space for everyone — bring a friend and check out our upcoming programming at kclibrary.org/calendar.
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I'm still looking for your stories and links!
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 28/06/2026
LOVED returning to Alaska with @natechamberlain.com 😍
williamandnate.com
Cruising the Alaskan Inside Passage, Part 1
Two years ago, Nate and I experienced our first cruise with an 8-day itinerary through Alaska’s inside passage. We loved it so much, we had to do it again! This time, we chose a 10-day cruise…
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 28/06/2026
Bought an art print at Pride in the Park that reminded me of my cat Baxter, and I’m pretty sure this queen LOVES it
My hand holding a framed art print of a black and white tuxedo cat with its eyes closed and  a lit cigarette in its paw in front of a yellow and orange background. Baxter, a real tuxedo cat, is rubbing his face on the frame.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 11/06/2026
Paige Turner is back and she says, “Have you signed up for Summer Reading yet?”
A mannequin wearing a green headband with plants and dinosaurs on it, glasses, a purple t-shirt, and skirt with a map print on it. She has curly hair made out of paper, and a green crossbody bag over her shoulder.
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Becky Spratford @raforall.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
You all-- I never thought I'd see the day, but library peeps, strap in for a fight. The Author's Guild is going after us as the reason why authors are making less money. I don't think they understand who they are dealing with: www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
publishersweekly.com
Authors Guild Looks at Why Author Incomes Are in Decline
A survey commissioned by the Guild found that only 25% of print books and e-books read in the past month were bought new or through a paid subscription, with readers increasingly turning to low- or no...
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 10/06/2026
Today in other duties as assigned: putting together the new body for our library mascot, Paige Turner
A library office desk with a partially constructed bust of mannequin on the desktop. Its legs are leaning against the side of the desk.
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Nate Chamberlain @natechamberlain.com · 09/06/2026
How do two young men from Kansas end up getting married? This is (part of) our story. Happy anniversary to my better, smarter half @williamottens.com www.linkedin.com/posts/nchamb...
linkedin.com
Today marks 14 years (‼️) since I married my best friend, William. At the time, our home state of Kansas had not yet legalized marriage equality, so we traveled to Iowa to get married. Even then, it…...
Today marks 14 years (‼️) since I married my best friend, William. At the time, our home state of Kansas had not yet legalized marriage equality, so we traveled to Iowa to get married. Even then, it ...
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 09/06/2026
Celebrating 14 years with @natechamberlain.com today! We got married in a park in Des Moines because Iowa was the nearest state where it was legal back then, and ever since, he’s been my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the best human being I could have chosen to spend my life with 😊❤️🌈
Me and Nate standing at a microphone. We’re wearing white button up shirts, ties, and green boutonnières. I’m reading my vows from a piece of paper. Me and Nate cutting into a large sheet cake with one knife. Me and Nate hugging and facing away from the camera toward a wooded backdrop. A string of green and brown balloons floats to the right of us.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 07/06/2026
Ran the Great Ferry Race with @natechamberlain.com this morning. It was a hilly, forested beast and we both were near last of our age groups, but we did it!
Me and Nate taking a selfie in front of a crowd gathered in the car deck of a ferry. I’m wearing a blue shirt with a white hat, and Nate is wearing a black tank top and a colorful headband. A crowd of people waiting to run off the car deck of a ferryMy hand holding a blue “Great Ferry Race” medal in front of a window overlooking a ferry dock.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 03/06/2026
Over here getting teary eyed about the loss of a baboon at the Kansas City Zoo. 😭 As a docent, I interpret at the baboon habitat. I loved telling guests her name, because they’d chuckle, and some kids would say, “Like @msrachelforlittles.bsky.social!” I’ll miss that sweet creature.
A screenshot of a Facebook post about Rachel the baboon at the Kansas City Zoo. Post reads, 

“The Zoo is mourning the loss of Rachel, a Guinea baboon, that recently passed away at the age of 24. Rachel had been treated for age-related issues, but the difficult decision was made to euthanize Rachel upon finding irreversible degenerative changes to her hips.

Rachel was born in 2002 at the Paris Zoological Park, then resided at the Indianapolis Zoo before arriving at the KCZoo in 2019 where she loved to spend her days digging bugs and roots in her habitat. When she wasn't busy digging, Rachel could often be seen sitting with her full body facing the sun, eyes closed, soaking up all the sunshine she could. Her care team says she was very intelligent and enjoyed training, and that she’ll be remembered fondly for the snorting noises she would make when receiving tasty treats and enrichment.

Our staff will miss Rachel dearly, and the troop is adapting to life without this beloved baboon.

Photos by animal care manager Jenna and advanced animal care specialist Heather”
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 31/05/2026
The new Giraffe Crossing at the @kansascityzoo.bsky.social is now open, and it’s awesome! @natechamberlain.com and I were excited to see it, and our plaque honoring our donation to the project. #KansasCity
A view of the Giraffe Crossing. In the foreground is a green sign that reads Giraffe Plaza.” In the background is a patio with picnic tables and covered overlook with a sign that reads “Giraffe Overlook”A view of the Giraffe Crossing barn next to a sky safari lift. Three giraffes behind a rock wall and fence. Two tall ones are reaching their mouths toward green leaves in the trees, and a shorter one is bending its neck to eat from a bush.
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Andromeda Yelton @thatandromeda.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
So, the rank-and-file staff of the MIT Libraries is pretty uniformly excellent - capable, interesting, kind - and should you perhaps find a résumé cross your desk from one, you should give it serious consideration. 📚
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 28/05/2026
Eisley’s ready for his Swedish purr-sage
A orange and white tabby cat lying on his back half covered by a pink lavender colored blanket, his paws are curled
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Lady Froldmagen (she/her) @zinelib.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Faculty: libraries and librarians need your advocacy BEFORE our collections are shuttered and our workers are fired. Whether you think your library is in trouble, and it almost definitely is, write to your provost and tell them how essential the library and library staff are to your work. Right now.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 27/05/2026
The retired children’s librarian who still comes the library regularly saw a photo of my cat Baxter in my office and said it inspired her to make and give me this quilt…for Baxter 😂😭
A black and white block quilt with a red border on one side and a tiled black and cat drawing on the other.Baxter, a black and white tuxedo cat sitting on an orange poof. He’s looking up at the camera.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 16/05/2026
It’s a beautiful morning for a run in #KansasCity. Ready to conquer the hill with @natechamberlain.com!
William and Nate pose for a selfie in front of a crowd gathered in downtown Kansas CityA crowd gathered near the start line for a run in downtown Kansas City
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
If a 7-year-old can show up to a board meeting to protest budget cuts at the library, you can do it, too. www.salemreporter.com/2026/05/08/a...
salemreporter.com
At 7, she helped save Salem’s library. She’s just getting started - Salem Reporter
Salem third-grader Zoey Harper’s public speaking skills were instrumental to the effort to pass a tax measure that prevented deep library cuts in 2025. Now, she’s hosted a candidate forum and posed qu...
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 10/05/2026
I'm excited to share that @natechamberlain.com and I are All-Stars! We're raising funds for @kcstarlight.bsky.social's paid arts internships for Kansas City's next generation of creatives, techies, designers, and theatre‑makers. And we'd love your help! 🔗 secure.givelively.org/donate/starl...
A graphic for the Starry Knight at Starlight All-Stars fundraiser next to a photo of Nate and me in black dress shirts in front of a fountain. The logo text for Monty Python's Spamalot is floating in clouds above us.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 07/05/2026
First sighting of Librarian Tales in another country! Took an Alaskan cruise with a final stop in Victoria, British Columbia. Did a quick search of the Greater Victoria Public Library’s catalog and had to stop by to see my book on the shelf. Always fun to see how far my Librarian Tales have gone!
Me holding up a copy of Librarian Tales in front of a shelf of library books
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 26/04/2026
Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?
An orange and white tabby cat sits reclined in a windowsill with his front leg on the back of a chair. He’s looking at the camera.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 25/04/2026
Last night was our third Bookworm Speed Dating Event at my library — patrons enjoy a catered dinner and drinks while librarians rotate the tables and book talk 5-7 titles. We had a full house, and it was a lot of fun. It’s a lot of prep work, but it’s one of my favorite events!
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 21/04/2026
We’re signed up to run the Great Smoky Mountain Half Marathon in August. Guess I need to work on my pace…
cbsnews.com
Bears chase, bite visitors at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, prompting closures
Parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed after visitors encountered aggressive bears over the weekend.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 18/04/2026
Drop your crime-fighting Catholics
media.tenor.com
a group of nuns are dancing in front of a video game store .
Alt: GIF of Whoopi and Kathy in nun outfits in Sister Act. Kathy is dancing, doing the wave.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 17/04/2026
My library closed and I got to leave work early because of potential potato sized hail. That’s a new one. Stay safe Kansas City!
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 17/04/2026
My final Italy post! @natechamberlain.com ended our trip with three days in Rome and a one heck of a mall adventure!
williamandnate.com
Celebrating 40 in Italy Part 5: Three Days in Rome
This is the final post about our celebratory trip to Italy with my cousins. Read about our adventures in Naples in Part I, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4. Taking the Train to Rome On the morning we wer…
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Nate Chamberlain @natechamberlain.com · 14/04/2026
Yesterday was Eisley's first birthday! Help us celebrate his big day, and raise money for his shelter, with a donation to KC Pet Project. We want to be the top fundraiser, and the deadline is this Friday! We're currently $316 short of being the top fundraising team, and $210 short of our goal.
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
This piece is (rightfully) going bananas. If you're reading this or sharing it, please ALSO know you can be a hero to protect libraries. All you need to do is write your House and Senate representatives AGAINST HR 7661. Here's what it is and what to do: bookriot.com/hr7661-advan...
bookriot.com
The Nationwide Book Ban Bill Moves to the House: How to Take Action Now
The nationwide book ban bill, HR 7661, has progressed out of committee and into the House. Here's what you need to know to take action.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 11/04/2026
Another great morning to obstruct traffic in Kansas City! #RocktheParkway
Two wife men taking a selfie with 5k race medals around their necks
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 09/04/2026
When you get the feline you’re being watched
An orange tabby cat peeks out from behind books on a shelf. Just his eyes and ears are visible.
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William the Librarian @williamottens.com · 07/04/2026
Yes, that’s me walking around in a cloud of cat hair because my cats sleep on EVERYTHING.
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