The Library

I like how the bloke from the library's last name was book man

I have to wonder if in this episode, Philip Baker Hall as Lt. Bookman went off script and ad-libbed most of his part. It was so good, the cameras kept rolling and the editors were smart enough to leave it in the show. During his rant, Seinfeld really couldn't keep from laughing and Hall worked that right into his speech. It was beautiful.

Many times Seinfeld has trouble not smiling at scripted jokes, but here, he really almost looses it.

Philip Booker Hall should have got an Emmy for his performance as Mr. Bookman, the humorless, nasty library cop. There are so many hilarious situations. Kramer puts his moves on the pretty librarian and actually gets her to his apartment. The flashbacks to the coach and the Henry Miller novel are also excellent. Perhaps my favorite episode to date.

Single Favorite Line: (Lieutenant Bookman recalls the past) "Yeah, '71, that was my first year on the job..bad year for libraries - bad year for America...hippies burning there library cards, Abbie Hoffman telling everyone to steal books...I don't judge a man by the length of his hair, or the kind of music he listens to --ROCK WAS NEVER MY BAG!" (okay, not a "line", a soliloquy - but regardless, too good to pass up!)

Notable Guest Stars: Philip Baker Hall (as Lt. Bookman, NYPL w/ a badge!, and Ashley Gardener (as Marion the librarian)

Memorable Exchange: (with Jerry and Kramer leaning over the counter behind Marion at NYPL) J: "...This woman is completely ignoring me!" - K: "Look at her ..this is a lonely woman looking for companionship...a SPINSTER...maybe a VIRGIN!...maybe she got hurt, a long time ago..she was a schoolgirl, there was a boy, it didn't work out...so now she needs a little tenderness, she needs a little understanding --NEEDS a little Kramer!" - J: "..Then she'll need a shot of Penicillin."

Key Topics: *Overdue Books *Changed Appearances *Wedgies *Deceptive Memory *Henry Miller

Part I Didn't Like: I really wanted them to make more of Mr. Haymen, the former Phys-Ed-tormentor-cum-homeless-loon.

Extra Nice Touch: The editing and writing are in near-perfect harmony.

7 of 10 - One of the three best scripted by Larry Charles

A library has a Bookman and he wants his book back.

The March month of the 13th of the 2023rd

What was this episode about: Mr. Bookman seeks Jerry for an overdue book that is over 20 years old.

George thinks he saw the ghost of his old gym teacher.

Elaine? Who cares. Though Mr. Lippman was a different fellow back then.

Kramer dates a pretty Librarian.

Story and Production: Minus Elaine unmemorable bits, this episode was funny, and superb.

Jerry, all he needed was to stand there and have Mr. Bookman take over. He was cool. They needed more of him.

George was funny trying to figure out if the Ghost of his gym teacher was true. I wish they brought him back too.

Overall and fine, fun, engaging, simple, relaxtainment episode.

Highlight: Bookman Vs Jerry and him saying Hello

Girlfriend Attractiveness level: The Library was a 9. I wish she could give me a library card.

Laugh meter: 10

What can be learned?: Remember to return your books back to the free book store.

Verdict: Read to achieve.