Dalkey, Kara. The Sword of Sagamore (New York: Ace Books, 1989) 235 p.

The Library of Sagamore is guarded by a Riddle-Beast. Scholars must answer the beast's riddle before entering. A wrong answer can bring the torment of the Pit of Itching Moss. The librarian is Denileen. “Like a behemoth from the sea, a tall man of moderate girth stood and towered over the desk. His placid face was framed in curly brown mutton chops that came together in a bristly moustache. His long thinning brown hair hung in a queue down his back. He regarded them with the calm gaze of a sleepy walrus.” (p. 106). The library catalog consists of a demon with a prodigious memory, but who can only work when you feed it. The more you feed it the more “bites” of memory are available. A dragon-like creature called a book wurm lurks in the stacks frightening readers and helping them locate books. When a book is checked out the librarian says, “See you in two weeks. Or the Wurm will.” (p. 112).