Libraries Will Survive

Inspired by the 1978 disco hit "I Will Survive", the lyrics were rewritten to proclaim support for libraries, particularly under the stress of tight budgets. Another version of this video is available, which begins with a send-up of a typically hectic day in the life of a professional librarian.

LYRICS

When the budget was first slashed,
I was petrified
How to do my job
With my new printer denied?
Then I ran off a few more
They didn't look too wrong
The streaks are long
But we'll just have to get along

So we step back
In the library's base
Approving fewer, but better programs
Without disgrace
Should we stop inviting authors?
Should we buy condensed books?
Pretty sure that the homeschoolers
Would just give us dirty looks

Come on now, walk, in our door
Just wander around now
You are welcome to explore
Did you think we'd stop reading to your kids?
We still want them
To learn about the pyramids

We'll advise!
Alphabetize!
For as long as we have patrons
Libraries will stay alive
We've got computers spread throughout
And so much to check out
We'll survive
We will survive
Hey hey

It took lots of hard work
To stand this budget squeeze
Trying hard to mend the pieces
of your DVDs
I drove oh so many miles
Just feeling sorry for myself
We used to worry
But we'll be better in a hurry

For us a crisis
Is nothing new
Just bring these items back by
The date that they are due
Check out new releases
Wonders to behold
But I'm saving this one for the patron
Who has placed the hold

Come on now, stroll, in our door
Check us out now
Take a book down to the shore
What do you think about this whole manga craze?
All I know is they
Make some really cute displays

Come to learn!
Something new!
For as long as you want
Just go online to renew
We've got meeting space for groups
From D.A.R. to Boy Scout Troops
We'll survive
We will survive
Hey hey

So come on now, walk in our door
Find inspiration and knowledge
How-to books to ancient lore
We still think libraries are the epitome of cool
To do a job search
Or get some help with school

And now we've built
Something new!
From now into the future
Libraries will stay true
We've got a mission to uphold
Just watch our tale unfold
We'll survive
We will survive
Hey hey

• Category

  Nonprofits & Activism

[lordly22]

Me too. This is very poignant. Sometimes touching, sometimes hilarious, rife with enthusiasm and fun. A great response to adversity. A tribute to the vulnerable humanity of all who created this gem! I've watched it over and over.

[Queezbo]

Absolutely delightful.

[marcysensei]

As kids you helped nurture our dreams.

As researchers you are our best allies.

Thanks dear librarians!

We Will Suvive and We Shall Overcome!

[cristianmind33]

Congratulations !!!

[waggawiz]

Love it!

[Kath Posner]

This actually made me cry (in a good way I think) :D

[EduTechNia]

Fantastico!

[Nina Янкова]

I love the video. Great work!

[SuperVrabcak]

:-))))skvělé!!!!Kolegyňky a kolegové, lidi, tleskám moc mocinky!!!! very nice

[fantasyfiction101]

This is funny I love it!