Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics Summary, Characters and Themes

Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein is the second book in the whimsical, puzzle-filled Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series. The story follows Kyle Keeley and his friends as they embark on a new adventure inside the incredible library of the eccentric billionaire, Mr. Lemoncello. 

This time, it’s not just about solving puzzles for fame and fun—the stakes are higher. In the Library Olympics, teams from all over the U.S. compete for college scholarships. But beneath the games, a sinister plot threatens the future of Lemoncello’s beloved library, and it’s up to Kyle and his team to save the day.

Summary

Six months after winning a local puzzle contest at Mr. Lemoncello’s library, Kyle Keeley and his friends—Sierra, Miguel, and Akimi—are now mini-celebrities. However, their success has stirred jealousy in others, particularly in their disgruntled former rival, Charles Chiltington, and his mother, Susana Willoughby Chiltington. 

Determined to take control of the library, Susana creates a group called the League of Concerned Library Lovers and aims to shut down Lemoncello’s grand creation. Meanwhile, online criticism claims that Kyle’s team had it easy by only competing against local kids, not those from across the country.

To address the complaints and prove the legitimacy of their win, Mr. Lemoncello announces a new competition: the Library Olympics. 

Teams from all over the United States will participate, with the grand prize being full college scholarships. The competition draws talented young minds, including the highly competitive Marjory Muldauer from the Midwest. 

Her no-nonsense approach rattles Kyle, who starts doubting his abilities and even considers stepping aside for Andrew Peckleman, an Alexandriaville classmate knowledgeable in library science. 

However, Kyle’s friends refuse to let him quit, reminding him of his puzzle-solving prowess. To add to the tension, Charles shows up, insisting he should replace Kyle. Despite the pressure, Kyle remains in the competition.

At the opening ceremony of the Library Olympics, the competitors don regional costumes, and Mr. Lemoncello emphasizes that winning the most medals might not make a team the true champion, leaving the children confused. 

As the games unfold, Kyle’s team struggles in the beginning, losing the first two events—a library cart race and a book-shelving challenge. However, they bounce back with wins in designing the best paper airplane and navigating a pterodactyl through a virtual racecourse, thanks to Kyle’s gaming skills. 

Despite these victories, Kyle’s self-doubt grows when he makes a crucial mistake in a rebus puzzle, costing his team the win and causing tension among his teammates.

Behind the scenes, Susana and Woody Peckleman hatch a scheme to discredit Lemoncello and take control of the library. 

They convince Marjory to steal a book during one of the challenges, and when Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo goes missing, Mr. Lemoncello is devastated. 

Faced with growing chaos, he cancels the Library Olympics, offers all competitors a “Go to College Free” card, and plans to leave Alexandriaville, giving the library to Susana’s committee.

Unwilling to give up, Kyle and his friends vow to recover the missing books and restore the library’s integrity. 

Working together, they follow clues hidden in the names of the medal challenges. Their investigation leads them to Woody, who has taken the stolen books and threatens to burn them. In a high-stakes showdown, Kyle wins a game against Woody, saving the books. 

In the end, it’s revealed that Woody is an actor in league with Lemoncello, who has been testing the competitors’ love for the library all along. Kyle and his team, having proven their dedication, are named the new board of directors, securing the library’s future.

Characters

Kyle Keeley

Kyle Keeley, the protagonist, is a resourceful and imaginative eighth-grader who thrives on puzzles and games. His evolution through the novel reflects a maturing sense of responsibility and leadership.

At the outset, Kyle grapples with self-doubt, especially when he encounters talented competitors like Marjory Muldauer. His uncertainty about his place on the team leads him to consider stepping aside, demonstrating his insecurity and fear of public failure.

However, his friends’ unwavering support reinforces his value to the group. Over the course of the competition, Kyle faces numerous setbacks, including misjudging a rebus puzzle and allowing his doubts to cause friction with his teammates.

His journey is one of overcoming self-doubt and learning to trust his instincts. By the end of the novel, Kyle steps up as a leader, uniting his team and other competitors to solve the mystery of the missing books.

His final victory over Woody in a game exemplifies his growth in confidence and his deep commitment to preserving the library.

Sierra Russell

Sierra is the quiet, bookish member of Kyle’s team, whose deep love of literature and encyclopedic knowledge of books make her an indispensable asset. Throughout the Library Olympics, Sierra’s calm and collected demeanor contrasts with the more competitive nature of other participants.

While Kyle and the others may get caught up in the excitement or stress of the games, Sierra remains grounded, keeping her focus on the importance of knowledge and intellectual curiosity. Her vast literary expertise helps the team win crucial events, such as the sixth game, where her quick thinking and familiarity with books secure them a victory.

Sierra represents the ideal of a true library lover—someone who values books for their intrinsic worth and sees them as more than just tools in a game. Her loyalty to the library, along with her quiet determination, plays a significant role in motivating Kyle to rise to the challenge and protect what they hold dear.

Akimi Hughes

Akimi is Kyle’s energetic and sarcastic best friend, and her quick wit adds humor and dynamism to the group. She provides moral support for Kyle, encouraging him to stay confident during moments of self-doubt.

Akimi is resourceful and clever, contributing to her team’s successes in various competitions with her lateral thinking and enthusiasm. Though not as focused on books as Sierra, Akimi respects the library and what it represents, seeing it as a space for learning and creativity.

Her loyalty to her friends and her competitive spirit ensure that she never wavers in her commitment to the team. Akimi’s role is that of a morale booster; her upbeat attitude keeps the group motivated even when the stakes are high.

Miguel Fernandez

Miguel is another key member of Kyle’s team, characterized by his sharp intellect and methodical approach to problem-solving. He excels in tasks requiring logic and research, proving especially useful in events that demand a keen eye for detail.

Miguel’s partnership with Sierra in researching plane design and competing in games involving both intellectual and physical challenges shows his adaptability. His dedication to fair play is evident when he refuses the “Go to College Free” card from Andrew’s uncle, showing his integrity and belief in earning success honestly.

Miguel’s relationship with the other team members is harmonious. He provides a steady, reliable presence that complements Kyle’s leadership, Sierra’s book knowledge, and Akimi’s energy.

His sense of fair competition and his dedication to the team embody the spirit of the library competition.

Charles Chiltington

Charles serves as the primary antagonist, his jealousy of Kyle and the team stemming from his disqualification in the first book’s competition. His desire to defeat Kyle and his friends is personal, driven by a sense of entitlement and the influence of his ambitious mother, Susana Willoughby Chiltington.

Charles’ cunning and unscrupulous nature are evident in his underhanded tactics, such as trying to replace Kyle on the team and conspiring with his mother to undermine the library. Charles represents the anti-library forces in the story, embodying greed, elitism, and a lack of appreciation for the true value of knowledge and libraries.

He views the library as just another arena for personal gain, rather than a sanctuary for learning and creativity. Charles’ defeat and his inability to win through dishonest means reinforce the novel’s theme that integrity and teamwork ultimately triumph over selfish ambition.

Marjory Muldauer

Marjory is introduced as a formidable competitor, serious and intensely focused on winning. Unlike Kyle, who values the library as a place of wonder and discovery, Marjory sees the competition as a zero-sum game in which only the strongest deserve to win.

Her ruthlessness is demonstrated when she accepts a “Go to College Free” card from Woody and agrees to steal a book from the library, showing her willingness to bend moral rules for personal gain. Marjory’s character reflects a type of academic elitism—she believes that knowledge is only valuable insofar as it helps her achieve victory.

Her eventual downfall, when she is outsmarted by Kyle and his team, underscores the novel’s message that knowledge should be shared and celebrated, not hoarded or exploited for selfish ends.

Susana Willoughby Chiltington

Susana is the driving force behind the League of Concerned Library Lovers, a group that outwardly appears to be pro-library but is actually focused on gaining control of the institution for personal power. She manipulates public opinion and uses her influence to position herself as the library’s overseer.

Her plan to shut down Lemoncello’s library stems from a desire to erase the creativity and open-ended learning environment it fosters, replacing it with a more controlled and traditional approach. Susana’s character represents the forces that oppose the progressive, playful, and inclusive vision of libraries.

Through her machinations, Grabenstein highlights the dangers of censorship and the loss of intellectual freedom. Ultimately, Susana’s defeat is a victory for the novel’s themes of imagination, cooperation, and the celebration of learning for its own sake.

Woodrow “Woody” Peckleman (Donald Thorne)

Woody is a deceptive figure who initially appears as Andrew Peckleman’s uncle, but is later revealed to be Donald Thorne, an actor hired by Lemoncello. As part of the antagonist forces, Woody plays a pivotal role in the plot to undermine Lemoncello’s library by stealing books and inciting a crisis.

His willingness to engage in deceitful tactics, such as bribing competitors and plotting to burn the missing books, makes him a true villain in the story. Woody’s role is crucial in raising the stakes for Kyle and his team, forcing them to unite and work harder to save the library.

His final defeat, when Kyle outsmarts him in a game, illustrates that cunning and manipulation cannot triumph over genuine passion and intelligence.

Luigi Lemoncello

Luigi Lemoncello, the eccentric billionaire and mastermind behind the games, represents the spirit of creativity, innovation, and unorthodox learning. Throughout the novel, Lemoncello acts as both a benefactor and a test-giver, constantly pushing the contestants to think outside the box.

His ultimate goal is not just to reward the winners with scholarships, but to find individuals who truly appreciate the value of libraries and knowledge. His whimsical approach to education—combining puzzles, games, and technology with traditional library resources—shows his belief in the importance of fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Lemoncello’s temporary withdrawal from the library when the books go missing tests the competitors’ devotion to the library. When they succeed in restoring it, he rewards them by making them part of its future.

Lemoncello symbolizes the joy of discovery, the importance of intellectual freedom, and the power of libraries to transform lives.

Themes

The Power of Knowledge and Intellectual Freedom in the Face of Censorship and Control

One of the most prominent themes in Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics is the defense of intellectual freedom and the fight against censorship. 

Mr. Lemoncello’s fantastical library represents a treasure trove of knowledge, imagination, and learning that is accessible to everyone, but this openness makes it vulnerable to those who seek to control what others can read or access.

The League of Concerned Library Lovers, led by Susana Chiltington, embodies the forces of censorship and control, motivated by their own agenda to remove books and restrict the freedom the library offers. 

This struggle highlights the ongoing battle between those who believe in free access to information and those who wish to limit it for personal or ideological reasons.

The theme delves deeper into the idea that knowledge is not just a collection of facts and stories but a tool for empowerment, self-discovery, and social change. When books are removed, or even threatened with destruction as they are in the plot, it symbolizes a broader attack on creativity, free thought, and the diversity of ideas that libraries are meant to protect.

Ultimately, the novel frames the fight for intellectual freedom as not just an academic or legal issue, but a moral one that requires courage, collaboration, and resolve from those who value knowledge.

The Tension Between Competition and Collaboration in the Pursuit of Success

Another central theme in the novel is the tension between competition and collaboration, particularly in how these forces shape success and personal growth. 

The very premise of the “Library Olympics” suggests a fiercely competitive environment where teams from all over the country battle for the prestigious prize of full college scholarships.

At first glance, this competition reflects the pressures of achievement and recognition that young people face, amplified by Kyle’s fear of public failure. However, as the story progresses, the narrative shifts to emphasize the value of teamwork and mutual support.

Despite the competitive nature of the games, the true test of character comes when the teams must set aside their individual ambitions and work together to save the library. This transition from competition to collaboration illustrates a deeper lesson about the nature of success—not as an isolated achievement but as something built on cooperation and shared purpose.

Kyle’s personal journey reflects this shift, as his initial anxiety about being replaced or failing his team gives way to a recognition that his true strength lies not in winning at all costs but in fostering a collective effort. 

Through the challenges of the Library Olympics, the novel suggests that while competition can drive excellence, it is collaboration that builds lasting success and community.

The Fragility of Public Institutions and the Role of Communities in Preserving Cultural and Educational Spaces

Grabenstein’s novel also explores the vulnerability of public institutions, particularly cultural and educational spaces like libraries, to external threats and the responsibility of communities in safeguarding them. 

Mr. Lemoncello’s library is not just a fantastical setting for puzzles and adventures but a symbol of the importance of such spaces in fostering knowledge, creativity, and civic engagement.

However, the library is constantly under threat from individuals like Susana Chiltington and Woody Peckleman, who seek to undermine it for personal gain or ideological reasons. 

This theme addresses the broader issue of how easily public institutions can be dismantled or corrupted if left unprotected.

The library’s potential closure signifies the precarious nature of such spaces in real life, where budget cuts, political pressures, or lack of public interest can lead to the erosion of essential services. 

The novel underscores the idea that these spaces are fragile but vital, and their preservation requires active involvement from the community.

By banding together to uncover the stolen books and expose the corruption threatening the library, Kyle and the other contestants embody the role of citizens in advocating for and protecting public resources. 

Their success in saving the library highlights the power of collective action and the importance of vigilance in the face of threats to cultural and educational spaces.

The Intersection of Personal Identity, Self-Worth, and Public Perception in the Age of Celebrity

A more nuanced and modern theme that runs through Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics is the exploration of personal identity and self-worth in relation to public perception, particularly in an age where celebrity status and social media can amplify both success and failure. 

Kyle Keeley’s journey is deeply influenced by his awareness of how others see him—first as a local hero after winning Mr. Lemoncello’s first contest, and later as someone whose reputation is at stake in the national Library Olympics.

This pressure to maintain his status and not disappoint a nationwide audience taps into broader societal anxieties about self-image, fame, and the fear of failure in a highly visible and often judgmental world. 

Kyle’s moments of self-doubt, especially when he contemplates being replaced on his team or failing in front of millions, reflect the challenges of living up to external expectations while also staying true to oneself.

The theme delves into the conflict between intrinsic self-worth and the validation that comes from public recognition, suggesting that personal growth comes not from impressing others but from developing a strong sense of self-acceptance. 

By the end of the novel, Kyle learns that his value is not determined by whether he wins or loses but by his character and his willingness to work for something greater than himself.

This journey toward self-realization and the rejection of superficial markers of success offer a profound commentary on the dangers of conflating public image with personal identity.

Ethical Leadership and the Moral Imperatives of Influence and Responsibility

The character of Mr. Lemoncello and his role in orchestrating the Library Olympics introduce a critical exploration of ethical leadership and the responsibilities that come with influence. 

Throughout the novel, Mr. Lemoncello is portrayed as a visionary figure whose eccentricity is matched by his commitment to fostering creativity, curiosity, and intellectual growth in young people.

However, his leadership is tested by the challenges posed by the League of Concerned Library Lovers and the internal corruption threatening the library. The theme of ethical leadership is illustrated by Mr. Lemoncello’s ultimate decision to let go of control over the library, a symbolic moment that underscores the balance between power and accountability.

Mr. Lemoncello understands that true leadership is not about maintaining control or exerting influence, but about nurturing the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the values and ideals he holds dear. 

By empowering Kyle and the other contestants to take on leadership roles as the new board of directors, Mr. Lemoncello passes the torch in a way that affirms the importance of trust, mentorship, and the cultivation of responsibility in young people.

This theme speaks to the moral imperatives of those in positions of influence, emphasizing that real leadership is about guiding others toward ethical decisions and creating a sustainable legacy that outlives individual ambition.