Highly-strung head librarian Frances O'Brien has to face her past when her ex-best friend applies for a job and her world is turned upside down.

Christine is preoccupied with trying to arrange an anniversary visit with her boyfriend Nikko in prison and neglects her School Holiday Boredom Busters program. Frances isn't happy.

Frances' true feelings for Christine are revealed in the most unlikely circumstances.

Frances O'Brien, devout Catholic and panic disorder sufferer, is back at the Middleton Interactive Learning Centre, but being head librarian of this outer suburban library is harder than ever.

The day of the new library's official opening arrives and Frances is determined to use the occasion to re-stamp her authority. However during the day, events go from bad to worse for Frances.

Xavier Fisher pays an unexpected visit to the library to check on the fundraising activities, while Pearl moves back in with Frances.

The fundraising thermometer has hit rock bottom and government bureaucrat Xavier Fisher orders immediate cutbacks. Frances is determined to make a stand and save her staff.