The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family

A Conversation with Josh Hanagarne, Author of The World's Strongest Librarian

When did you realize you wanted to be a librarian? You document many jobs you've had over the years.

I have a few examples:

First, once I started working in a library as a low-level assistant, it was quickly apparent that the library would really test me as far as the Tourette's went. I thought, if I can handle being in a library, I can handle anything.

Second: Around the same time I was looking for the full seven-volumes of Rising Up And Rising Down by William T. Vollmann. McSweeney's had only published 3,500 of them and I couldn't afford the copies used (since they were so rare).

I couldn't believe the Salt Lake City Public Library had the full set. But it was when I saw the books on the shelf that it really sunk in: the books were dusty, taking up a foot of space on the shelf, and yet, the library kept them. It was as important (or more) that the information in the books not be lost as that they circulated. That's when I thought, "I'd be proud to be involved in this work."

What is the first book you remember reading? Why do you think it had such a lasting impact on you?

My first real memory of a book is Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman. It has stuck with me because I've always had such a great relationship with my mom. The thought of not being able to find her scared me then, and it's no easier now.

When patrons of the library come in looking for a book, do you have a go-to recommendation? Why?

I work on a non-fiction floor, so I usually get asked for non-fiction recommendations. Lately I've been trying to force The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Age Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum on everyone. It's a fascinating and exciting story and Blum is a wonderful writer. Also, I have a wild crush on Mary Roach (and her books), so I'm trying to get people to read Stiff and Bonk.

[Stiff was a 2003 Discover Great New Writers selection. -Ed.]

If they want fiction but aren't looking for anything specific, I always default to A Confederacy of Dunces, The Good Soldier Svjek, Don Quixote, Catch 22, most Vonnegut, and Blood Meridian. Those are my favorite books, and I can't exactly explain why, which is why I keep going back to them.

What's the most bizarre question you've been asked as a librarian / any crazy library stories?

It wasn't so much the strangeness of the question as the way it was asked. Years ago in another library a man sidled up to the desk and said, "You know, my wife says I'm not really bringing it in the bedroom, if you get what I'm saying. I need to find some guides about really great sex so I can show them to her and say, "See, that's exactly what you're getting already, admit it!"

My favorite library story right now is only a few weeks old. I answered the phone and the woman on the other end immediately said, "Oh! You got to get that voice into adult films!" While I was helping her with her account, she kept interrupting and saying, "Oh honey! Say it again!"

You have competed in many strong man competitions. What do you think was your most memorable strong man feat?

I've only done a couple of Highland Games, but there are many more to come. My most memorable strength feat was the first time I deadlifted 500 lbs. It's a great milestone for a lifter. It was also the first time I remember looking at the loaded barbell and realizing that it was bending under the weight.

What advice would you give to others with Tourette's or a challenge to overcome?

Here is how I look at challenges:

When you're in a situation you can't control, I think the best thing to do is introduce something into it that you can control. See if that helps. Maybe it doesn't help with the specific problem, but it's still progress, and in my experience, it's hard not to feel more confident when you're making measurable, demonstrable progress. For me, that means another pound lifted, another book read, and another paragraph added to my word count.

I've given up on expecting things from life. I finally know what I can expect from myself, however, and that has made all the difference. Everyone can do that, because everyone can take an action to improve their situation, although it doesn't mean anyone will get everything he or she wants.

Who have you discovered lately?

I rediscover George Saunders every time he writes a new book. When I finished the perfect Tenth of December, his latest book of short stories, I didn't think, "I can't believe how good this is." I thought, "I can't believe he's actually gotten better since his previous book." If he weren't such a nice guy it would seem downright unfair.