According to a recent article in the Washington Post, libraries have been busy at work “rebranding themselves for the iPod generation,” and it seems to be paying off. In fact, data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services shows that library visits and circulation were up nearly 20 percent nationally from 1999 to 2008. Exciting news! We decided that we’d use it as an excuse to post a roundup sure to appeal to iPod-toting bookworms; after the jump, find some of our favorite music videos set in libraries and bookstores.
Belle & Sebastian, “Wrapped Up in Books” – It only makes sense that one of the most literary bands out there would play their tunes in bookstore.
Haunted Love, “Librarian” – A delightful librarian revenge fantasy
Ludacris, “Splash Waterfalls” – There are many, many women in this nonsensical music video. One of them just happens to be a librarian who is shelving books as Luda reads the Kama Sutra.
Paul McCartney, “Dance Tonight” – This charming Michel Gondry-directed clip features cameos by Natalie Portman and Mackenzie Crook (Gareth from The Office)
She & Him, “In the Sun” – Zooey Deschanel and M Ward channel their inner Gleeks, complete with choreographed dance numbers
St. Vincent – “Laughing With A Mouth Full of Blood” – St. Vincent is adorable, but Thunderant (Fred Armisen from SNL and Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney) steals the show
Tears for Fears, “Head Over Heels” – A video that shows what happens when a guy wins the heart of the sexy librarian of his dreams
Toto, “Africa” – For some reason Toto felt the need to perform this song on top of a stack of hardcover books
Van Halen, “Hot for Teacher” – An ode to prepubescent schoolteacher lust that culminates with an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo in the library
Yo La Tengo, “Sugarcube” – A funny video featuring cameos by David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, and John Ennis
Bonus video: The Music Man, “Marian the Librarian” – While not a music video, this clip featuring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones is one of our all-time favorites.