The Library Book by Susan Orlean

Library Love.  

The Library Book by Susan Orlean is an account of the Central Los Angeles Library fire of 1986 which destroyed or damaged more than a million books. Like a skillfully controlled fire, Orlean continuously meanders from the investigation and arson suspect to other paths, then back to the investigation. She splinters off into the history and inner workings of the library to Nazi book burnings to an eccentric long-haired, Casanova-type librarian who was pressured to resign because of the scandalous press constantly swirling around him. She explains the intensive process of preserving and restoring soggy, smoke-filled books. Ambling into collections of maps, sheet music, menus, photographs, and autographs housed in the library, she then leads us to a quick look at bookmobiles, pack horse librarians, and more before ending with the conclusion of the investigation, revealing what happened to the suspect, and the reopening of the library.

Along with the diverse, fascinating detours, it was Orlean's descriptive and captivating writing kept me turning page after page. In the end this, book is sure to ignite an appreciation of all libraries whether you’re a regular patron or not.  

I had already embraced my own library in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, but more-so after reading this book.  Our new library was completed in 2007. The interior is beautiful with a couple large fireplaces and seating areas where my husband and I occasionally like to sit and read especially during the long winters. 

It contains a small store that offers used books with proceeds funding special projects like a yearly shredding day where anyone can bring their boxes of personal documents to a waiting shredding truck.  In the main room, models of proposed public artworks are often displayed allowing people an opportunity to vote on their favorites.  My granddaughter discovered that her voice can be heard when one of the displayed pumpkins decorated by kids in her age group at Halloween that she voted on had won. Kids can join story time in the children’s section or can opt to color on the table set up with various coloring printouts. There’s a delightful beaver lodge where boys and girls can entice their parents (or grandparents) to snuggle in and read to them, and all of it overlooks a magnificent park and playground. While my library is small compared to the Central L.A. library, it’s still an integral part of our community and we’re lucky to have it.

Happy Reading,

Annette