How Does The Library In Doctor Strange Work?
Benedict Wong as Wong the Librarian in Doctor Strange
(Spoiler alert: this article will discuss scenes revolving around a certain setting in the Doctor Strange movie, and will spoil some elements of the plot as a result. You have been warned.)
Wong, played by Benedict Wong, appears to run a tight library ship in Doctor Strange. He’s no-nonsense, not letting out so much as a smirk during Stephen Strange’s awkward attempts at rapport. He dedicates his life to protecting the collections and headquarters of the Sorcerer Supreme, and does not hold back criticism of Strange when comes into power. Wong is a man of abiding authority, mutual respect, and benevolent guidance, traits that make him an ideal librarian. Compared to his stereotypical manservant role in Marvel’s comics, the movie version is a huge upgrade.
Like many librarians, he reached his professional perch after the departure of the last person, creating a domino effect of promotion. However, not many ordinary librarians can say they were “domino effect-ed” into place by their predecessor’s beheading.
What are the apparent and likely policies of the Kamar-Taj library in Kathmandu, Nepal? Here are some guesses from a fellow librarian:
- Removal of library items from the premises will be punishable by death at librarian’s discretion;
- Damage to library items will be punishable by time served according to the spell necessary to undo the damage (This is a rarely used measure, as the books are already enchanted against water and fire damage. May the Multiverse help you if you dogear every page, though!);
- Please return items directly to the Head Librarian’s table upon completion. Do not try to reshelve books into their suspended clasps unless permitted to do so by an instructor;
- Do not disturb the Head Librarian if their earbuds are in, as they are experiencing cultural learning time;
- The wi-fi password is “shamballa” (please do NOT share with outside population nor magically manipulate wi-fi signal to expand beyond physical realm of Kamar-Taj);
- Do not activate magical relics near library collections, as resulting damage may be permanent;
- All knowledge is available for learning within the library, but not all practices.
- Please review safety guidelines for each spell you learn, detailed after the instructions for how to cast them
- Respect the laws of nature as they apply to the space-time continuum.
- Fines and fees that apply across multiple or parallel dimensions may be compounded against the original offender. The Kamar-Taj library does not accept repayment from alternate-universe versions of patrons.
What did you think of Wong and the library? What other rules do you think are in place there? Is it better or worse than the Hogwarts library? Let us know in the comments.
