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.

Jacinta McSweeney from the Premier's Department inspects Middleton Interactive Learning Centre as a possible venue for the launch of the Premier's Book Week.

Frances is on a diet in preparation for Book Week and as result is even more stressed and anxious than usual.

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 is flushed with excitement over Book Week but not for long. The truth behind Dawn's accident is revealed and Frances and Christine are brought together in the most unlikely circumstance.

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.

To her absolute shock and horror, Christine goes into labor a month early. With the labor ward full, she ends up in her worst nightmare - the birthing centre.

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.

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

Head Librarian Frances O'Brien is having a hellish time of it. Not only must the library turn a profit in order to stay open, but Frances's detestable mother Pearl comes to live with her.

Frances needs to sell Pearl's house fast in order to pay for Pearl's accommodation at Gentle Pines nursing home. Meanwhile Xavier Fisher threatens staff cuts at Middleton Interactive.

Frances meets Indigo the 'New Age' real estate agent who is going to sell Pearl's house and the mystery contents of the shipping container parked in Pearl's front yard are revealed.

Gentle Pines is hounding Frances for payment. If she can't pay up, Pearl will end up living with Frances at the O'Brien house. Meanwhile back at the library, Dawn hands in her resignation.

Frances and Christine are both caught trying to steal fundraising money, meanwhile Nada is visited by another potential suitor, the mysterious Jaffar Abassi.

The library is a hub of activity for Senior Citizens Day. Frances is busy trying to find a replacement to take a tour group on a historical walk of Middleton when Terry arrives with Pearl.

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.