Kokoro Library
Every semester, we watch at least one show that explores serious issues in a laid-back, generally heartwarming light. Kokoro Library is simultaneously the paradigm of gentle sincerity and a surprisingly intelligent inquiry into the nature of the good life, complete with Lupin III parodies, a surprisingly tragic and adult backstory of war and its aftereffects, subtle critique of the obsessed otaku, and enormous quantities of lace.
In the middle of the mountains, far away from the closest town, there lies a large library staffed by three sisters—Iina, who is capable and cheerful despite her slight disconnect with the real world; Aruto, who is a bit sarcastic (and always sleepy) but has a literally hidden side; and the titular Kokoro, who has just become old enough to help out with the library’s duties. Although the institution rarely receives more than 2 or 3 patrons a week, the sisters can always find something to keep them busy, whether it’s pouring rainbows from watering cans or going on trecks to retrieve late books. However, recently trouble—in the form of visiting authors, robots, and even thieves–has been coming to them! Can this have something to do with the sad story of their father’s past…?
It should be noted that this series has an unexpected and absolutely fantastic ending. This show is 13 episodes long; we’ll watch one a night.