Why don't academic libraries typically have mascots? Their school is almost certain to, thanks to their sports team. Animals are most popular, followed by classes of humankind associated with a fighting spirit: the American Indian, Vikings, soldiers from various decades, pirates, etc. Less frequent are gussied up alphabetical letters and creative typography, while among the least common are inanimate objects.
An online search for (public) library mascots shows a preference for brain over brawn, which perhaps clarifies why there are so fewer examples. The bookworm and owl hardly need an explanation, whilst the cat may be one because of its long association with a bookish environment. (Contrary to the thoughts of some, the geek is not an animal.)
The pickings then become slim, so inanimate objects are chosen, notably the book. Apparently scrolls of parchment are considered too old.
Yet with its emphasis on literacy, the library could naturally adopt letters, which would both figuratively and literally represent it.
