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.

With the official library opening only a week away, Frances feverishly regains control of her domain as Adrian Green, a big wig from the Library Association, arrives to assess Christine.

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.

With Terry staying at his mum's house, Frances is tired and more irritable than usual. She's not sleeping, is drinking too much and is not able to concentrate at work.

It's the day of the National Library Awards. Frances still can't believe that Nada is nominated for Librarian of the Year. But an opportunity arises for Frances to annihilate Nada's chance for the award.