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.

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

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.