The 113th Assistant Librarian

Title: The 113th Assistant Librarian
Authors: Stuart Wilson
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Shortlist: Children's Literature

Oliver Wormwood is sure his new job in the library will be boring. Until he learns that books hold great power – and danger.

By the end of his first day, Oliver has witnessed a death, been frozen by a book, met a perplexing number of cats, and fought off a horde of terrifying creatures.

With only a mysterious girl called Agatha to show him the ropes, Oliver needs to learn fast... if he wants to live longer than the 112 assistant librarians before him.

Judges’ report

Readers are propelled into a world of danger, humour, mystery and adventure in this accomplished and thrilling novel. On his first day as assistant librarian, 13-year-old Oliver Wormwood has responsibility thrust upon him, when the librarian promptly dies. He is flung into mind boggling situations, requiring him to navigate by sheer wit and, more often than not, trial and error. Imaginative and inventive, this is a pitch perfect story for young people on the cusp of becoming teenagers. It encourages a sense of importance in the power of reading, confidence through trusting instincts, and an overall buoyancy in encouraging the reader never to underestimate themselves.

Extract

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About the Author

Photo by Caithlin Ferrier

Stuart Wilson

VPLA book photography by Sarah Walker

The 2025 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards are proudly supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria.