Bob CollinsThere’s little more tiring than the cliched “bet” between politicians in cities involved in postseason play in sports.
But librarians? That’s an entirely different story. They understand the art of a rivalry.
It’s not a crowd normally associated with talking trash, but libraries in Kansas City and Toronto — their two teams are vying for the chance to face the Mets in the World Series — are doing the tradition proud in the most literary way.
The library in Kansas City fired the first salvo after the Royals pummeled the Blue Jays in the fourth game of the series…
Some #bookspinepoetry for our friends @BlueJays & @torontolibrary #TaketheCrown #GoRoyals #ALCS pic.twitter.com/Zj5ZvhFljv
— KCMO Public Library (@KCLibrary) October 20, 2015
Toronto’s public library took it lying down.
Well played @KCLibrary but we've got a way with words too. 'Til tomorrow! @BlueJays #ComeTOgether #GoJaysGo pic.twitter.com/qED5PFp95t
— TorontoPublicLibrary (@torontolibrary) October 21, 2015
And just before last night’s fifth game in the American League Championship series, the Kansas City library was feeling cocky.
Tonight's reading for the @BlueJays: https://t.co/pyJNN7YSkX #MaybeWeWentTooFar #LoveYouToronto #MayTheBestTeamWin pic.twitter.com/m3veOocyQX
— KCMO Public Library (@KCLibrary) October 21, 2015
The Pickering, Ontario public library rallied to the defense of its big-city colleague…
We support our fellow Ontario libraries, especially during #OPLW. @torontolibrary @KCLibrary #ComeTogether #GoJaysGo pic.twitter.com/OoZsUX9hmf
— Pickering Library (@pickeringpublib) October 21, 2015
Alas, the Toronto Blue Jays dispatched the Royals 7-to-1, prompting the Missouri library to eat raven and quote Monty Python.
’Tis but a flesh wound! Next game… #TaketheCrown #GoRoyals #bookspinepoetry @torontolibrary @bluejays pic.twitter.com/wg3yqoxApM
— KCMO Public Library (@KCLibrary) October 21, 2015
Back to you, Toronto Public Library.
Amazing job,@BlueJays!!!! That brings us to Round 2 of #bookspinepoetry @KCLibrary @BlueJays #ComeTogether pic.twitter.com/VRCg1ewZcw
— TorontoPublicLibrary (@torontolibrary) October 21, 2015
It’s Public Library Week in Ontario.
Game six of the series, however, returns to Kansas City tomorrow night.
