In 2019 I presented WNIJ the idea that we should do a story about local wrestling going in small towns, such as Oregon, Illinois, where once a month tournaments were being held in the backroom of a sub sandwich shop. They thought my idea story was great, as long as I got in the ring and wrestled. I thought their idea was terrible, but I went ahead and did it anyway.

I needed a character, and so The Librarian was born, and working with local librarians, developed some catch phrases: “I’m taking you out of circulation!” “You’re overdue for a beating.” Along the way I talked to some real wrestlers, learned some moves, and because it’s public radio, even came up with some philosophical musings about the whole endeavor, all before getting bodily slammed in the ring by Lowlife Christian Rose. Hit the link to hear the two part story (airing on Morning Edition and All Things Considered in a single day) and/or read the transcript. If you ever wanted to see a librarian beaten against the ropes, this is for you.