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This summer, the fastest, the brightest and the most literate of librarians at the University of Dayton gathered for an epic competition: The Library Olympics.

There were no balance beams or 50-meter butterfly showdowns, but there were books. Lots and lots of books.

"We had a bunch of events, all requiring some physical activity — and of course some thinking," said Katy Kelly, the university's communications and outreach librarian.

It was the second year of the Library Olympics, which features events such as The Journal Toss, which involves flinging to-be-recycled journals at a target; Speed Sort, in which competitors organize books on a cart as fast as possible (in correct Library of Congress order); and Cart Racing.

"Cart racing — for sure, the most thrilling," Kelly said. "If you've ever tried to push a book cart, you know they're very wily and have a mind of their own, so trying running one on a brick course."

About 30 librarians tested their mettle at the event, but only one team emerged triumphant: Kelly's.

"Yes, we got gold medals. And everyone that competed got a bag of granola, to refresh themselves."

While Kelly has no aspirations of competing in the actual Olympics, she said her sport of choice would be beach volleyball.

"But I would wear a librarian cardigan to play it."

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How do librarians find the fastest and quickest-minded among them? With a little Speed Sorting and Cart Racing.

The Library Olympics: How fast can you book it?

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