Charlotte sits at a library table surrounded by stacks of books. She peers over a book at something offstage, or rather, at someone offstage. Dewey, the librarian, enters with a stack of books and tells Charlotte that he's just shelved some new romance novels. (Is he flirting?) She shudders at the idea of reading a ridiculous romance. Dewey leaves, feeling stupid that he suggested it. Charlotte sings “ROMANCE IS…” her declaration that love is a 'silly old convention' and she prefers the intrigue and excitement of other literary genres.

 

Charlotte's protestations of love awaken three ghosts from the bookshelves. Cyrano De Bergarac, Helen of Troy, and Juliet Capulet materialize, announcing themselves as "literature's greatest lovers" who have been summoned to help Charlotte in her affairs of the heart. With a little convincing from the Book Ghost Trio, Charlotte realizes that she is in love with Dewey, but doesn't have any notion what to do about it. The Book Ghost Trio advises with “WOO HIM MY WAY”, each giving her (really bad) advice from their own love stories.

​

Charlotte recognizes that their advice is terrible and led to the end of each of their tragic romances, and refuses to do anything. The Book Ghost Trio sings “REWRITE THE STORY” to convince Charlotte  to take a chance on love and show each of them that love can, indeed, have a happy ending. Dewey enters just as Charlotte is almost persuaded to go for it. She awkwardly flirts, and in a panic begins to woo using the Book Ghost Trio's initially suggested (terrible) ways. Dewey is charmed, as a surprise entrance from his own Book Ghost, reveals that he's been getting bad advice all along, too!