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The Library Book

336 pages, 2019

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999 books
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Description

On the morning of April 28, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. The fire was disastrous: it reached two thousand degrees and burned for more than seven hours.

By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library—and if so, who?

Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the fire, award-winning New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean delivers a “delightful…reflection on the past, present, and future of libraries in America” (New York magazine) that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before.

In the “exquisitely written, consistently entertaining” (The New York Times) The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries; brings each department of the library to vivid life; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak.

The blond-haired actor was long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.

The Power of Libraries

Susan Orlean's The Library Book explores the importance of libraries in our society. They are not just places to borrow books, but also community centers, learning hubs, and historical archives. They play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge.

The Mystery of the 1986 Fire

The book digs into the mysterious 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire. Orlean's research into this event is fascinating, as she uncovers the details of the fire and its aftermath, and the ongoing debate about who was responsible.

The Evolution of Libraries

Orlean takes us on a journey through the history of libraries, showing how they have evolved over time. From the ancient world to the digital age, libraries have always been at the forefront of information storage and sharing.

The Human Stories Behind the Books

The Library Book is not just about buildings and books, but also about people. Orlean shares stories of librarians, readers, and even those accused of burning books. These human stories add a personal touch to the narrative, making it more engaging.

The Future of Libraries

Orlean also looks into the future of libraries. Despite the rise of digital media, she believes that libraries will continue to be relevant. They will adapt to new technologies and continue to serve as community spaces, proving that libraries are here to stay.

Quotes 4

The Library Book is a delightful love letter to public libraries. It's a fascinating blend of true crime, history, and the author's personal journey. It's also a reminder of the vital role libraries play in our society.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

The Library Book is a captivating narrative about the unsolved mystery of the most catastrophic library fire in American history, and a homage to an institution dedicated to the public good.

Reese WitherspoonReese Witherspoon - Actress, Producer

The Library Book is a sheer delight. Orlean has succeeded in creating a book that is a tribute not just to a place or an institution but to an idea. You'll find yourself considering the book long after you've turned the last page.

NPRNPR - Media Organization

The Library Book is a beautifully written and richly detailed chronicle of a beloved institution that remains a vital part of the heart, mind, and soul of our civilization.

The New York TimesThe New York Times - Newspaper
Bill GatesReese WitherspoonNPRThe New York Times

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