If you think librarians are fussy and uptight bespectacled middle-aged ladies, think again. These rebellious and unconventional portraits of tattooed librarians from Rhode Island will smash those stereotypes.
The photos depict 12 librarians lounging amongst bookshelves and cosying up to books, with their striking tattoos prominently displayed. Aside from the obvious pride and love they have for their jobs, the photos reveal their cool and outgoing personalities and dispel any preconceived notions of librarians as prim and humorless people, showing that they are fun, gregarious folks too.
They were taken for a 2014 calendar called the Tattooed Librarians of the Ocean State which was launched last fall with proceeds benefiting the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA). The response was overwhelming and the calendar is completely sold out.
According to the RILA, “Libraries are unique as they simultaneously foster the preservation of histories and traditions, while fighting censorship and fostering cutting-edge learning environments. Likewise, tattoos can also represent the preservation of history and resistance of the norm.”
Check out some photos from the calendar below.
[via Flavorwire, images by Rhode Island Library Association]