Day Speaks Volumes About Librarian

Through the eyes of children, some librarians suffer from an image problem.

“Some are kind of mean and not very understanding. They don’t want to be bothered with lots of things,” said Jessica Tibber, 10, who frequents many a public library.

But not Mrs. Muller.

“She’s the best librarian I ever met,” Tibber said. “She knows the books by heart. She listens and she’s fun to be around.”

In a show of appreciation to Helen Muller, the longtime children’s librarian at the North Hollywood public library, teachers at nearby Colfax Elementary School organized “Mrs. Muller Day.”

And from the look of the festivities Wednesday, it was a school project that youngsters were eager to partake in.

“They ran up to her and hugged her and said, ‘You read that story to me!’ and ‘You did that great puppet show!’ ” said Cindy Bean of her kindergartners’ reaction to Muller. “She gets them so excited about books.”

To the Colfax students who visit the library twice a month, Muller, 63, is known for her whispery, yet animated voice that can captivate a crowd of children and adults alike.

“She’s a very popular woman. She’s wanted everywhere,” fifth-grade teacher Vivian Sontag said. “She’s a rare librarian.”

“I knew they were planning something, but I never expected this ,” an excited Muller said as she juggled two shopping bags stuffed with gifts and homemade cards from students and teachers. As Muller visited each classroom to receive her accolades, two girls with pigtails followed, carrying pots of pink tulips that she had been given.

“I have books. I have poems. I have valentines. I have a T-shirt with everyone’s name on it. I have flowers. I’m overwhelmed!” Muller said.

Harriet Newton, who works with Muller as branch librarian, said, “She never seems to get tired of telling stories or helping children find things.”

Muller knows that her library books--from “Harvey’s Horrible Snake Disaster” to the “Babysitter’s Club”--must compete with the television likes of “The Simpsons” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

But the 38-year veteran librarian said she uses television programs to spark interest in books.

As she spoke to students, Muller used her best storytelling techniques, scrunching her tall frame down to almost a child’s size.

They fell quiet as she described in delicious detail the breakfast that teachers had prepared for her and the gifts she had received. “This has been the most wonderful, exciting day of my whole life,” she said as if she had come to the happy ending of a fairy tale.