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    The Library Book
    The Library Book
    The Library Book
    Audiobook12 hours

    The Library Book

    Written by Susan Orlean

    Narrated by Susan Orlean

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK

    A WASHINGTON POST TOP 10 BOOK OF THE YEAR * A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER and NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2018

    “A constant pleasure to read…Everybody who loves books should check out The Library Book.” —The Washington Post

    “CAPTIVATING…DELIGHTFUL.” —Christian Science Monitor * “EXQUISITELY WRITTEN, CONSISTENTLY ENTERTAINING.” —The New York Times * “MESMERIZING…RIVETING.” —Booklist (starred review)

    A dazzling love letter to a beloved institution—and an investigation into one of its greatest mysteries—from the bestselling author hailed as a “national treasure” by The Washington Post.

    On the morning of April 29, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye, Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 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 mesmerizing and uniquely compelling book that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before.

    In 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 across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.

    Along the way, Orlean introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters from libraries past and present—from Mary Foy, who in 1880 at eighteen years old was named the head of the Los Angeles Public Library at a time when men still dominated the role, to Dr. C.J.K. Jones, a pastor, citrus farmer, and polymath known as “The Human Encyclopedia” who roamed the library dispensing information; from Charles Lummis, a wildly eccentric journalist and adventurer who was determined to make the L.A. library one of the best in the world, to the current staff, who do heroic work every day to ensure that their institution remains a vital part of the city it serves.

    Brimming with her signature wit, insight, compassion, and talent for deep research, The Library Book is Susan Orlean’s thrilling journey through the stacks that reveals how these beloved institutions provide much more than just books—and why they remain an essential part of the heart, mind, and soul of our country. It is also a master journalist’s reminder that, perhaps especially in the digital era, they are more necessary than ever.

    Editor's Note

    “Dazzling love letter”…

    Part true-crime detective book, part history book filled with fascinating anecdotes, the newest book from Susan Orlean begins with a disastrous fire that consumed the Los Angeles Central Library in 1986 and the subsequent search for the suspected arsonist. Delight in discovery powers this book, and Orlean feeds readers’ curiosity.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSimon & Schuster Audio
    Release dateOct 16, 2018
    ISBN9781508266488
    Author

    Susan Orlean

    Susan Orlean has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1992. She is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including The Library Book, Rin Tin Tin, Saturday Night, and The Orchid Thief, which was made into the Academy Award–winning film Adaptation. She lives with her family and her animals in Los Angeles and may be reached at SusanOrlean.com and on Substack at SusanOrlean.Substack.com.

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    Reviews for The Library Book

    4/5

    1,850 ratings195 reviews

    What our readers think

    Readers find this title to be a fascinating exploration of libraries and their history. The book is well-researched and beautifully written, providing insights into the inner workings of libraries and the complexities of their efforts. It also delves into the intriguing mystery of the LA main library fire. While some readers found the book disorganized and overly detailed, overall it is a recommended read for library lovers and those interested in the history of libraries. The author's passion for libraries shines through, making it a wonderful homage to these magical spaces of community and collaboration.

    What did you think?

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    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      The book was meticulously researched and beautifully written. I enjoyed listening to it.

      3 people found this helpful

    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      Terrific storytelling about the specifics of the investigation of the great fire with the characters and history of the LA main library.

      3 people found this helpful

    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      What a wonderful story tied to the author’s own love of books. A detective novel, a journey novel, and a series of fascinating historical stories that all revolve around the Los Angeles Central Library.

      2 people found this helpful

    • 2/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      It was very disorganized. I enjoyed the parts about the library fire and arson investigation. Some of the info about library inner workings was interesting, but a lot of it was straight up boring. It jumped around too much. I had to put it on 2x speed because the author/narrator sounded bored with her own book.

      2 people found this helpful

    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      I really enjoyed this book. I connected with the author on the relationship of the library and her mother. I also learned a great deal about the true workings of librarians and the library system. Though an avid reader I had no idea of the complexities of the library's efforts and the amount of outreach and services that libraries perform.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      A deep dive into the modern history of libraries with a special focus on the LA main library. Well written, good pace, fun read. Recommended

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      I never thought I would find a book about libraries so fascinating! One of the better non fiction books I've read!

      1 person found this helpful

    • 3/5

      Oct 23, 2024

      Susan Orlean's, The Library Book, is well-researched and informative without being boring and droning. The author is a true kindred spirit bibliophile who really knows her stuff. (I'm thinking now of the contrast between her and Allison Hoover Bartlett, author of The Man Who Loved Books Too Much, who didn't seem to have a clue what it meant to be a true book lover or collector). My only complaint is my usual one...the cussing is unnecessary and makes for a negative mood.

      I found it interesting that the librarians went through such serious trauma after the fire---a mourning, sense of shock---some of them seemed almost deranged. One man said it was worse than the day his own mother had died. That was shocking to me---and I'm an avid reader, book lover, collector, and author myself. Still, I think tangible "stuff" must be put in its proper place. As much as I value the importance of information, ideas, and imagination, these pale in comparison to the importance of relationships with actual people.

      One funny thing that surprised me was the amount of crazy calls the librarians got from people asking for really random information. When the author questioned them about it, one librarian replied that many people don't have the internet or know how to use it so the logical place to find information is the library---by phone! My daughter is a part-time librarian and says she often gets strange calls, the most recent being from someone looking to buy postage stamps!

      One element of the book that I found annoying or unnecessary was the books referenced at the beginning of each chapter. I'm sure the author found some sort of parallel between them and her chapter contents but I felt they were too obscure for any obvious connection.

      Finally, as the book moved into more modern descriptions of current library offerings, I found myself feeling that crochety old lady frustration about the current atmosphere of our libraries. Even though I'm only 40, I well remember the days of the quiet library and the mean, shushing librarian---and I miss them. In my opinion, libraries now offer too many things that have nothing to do with reading or even literacy and one would be hard-pressed to find even a quiet half hour in a library. Even the librarians are loud, often shouting at one another across what they perceive to be an empty room. Our own library offers space for children's Lego events, model train society meetings, crochet clubs and more---all of which would be fine in a designated meeting room with a minimal noise requirement. Instead, many of these events take place in wide open areas with little regard for patrons who may have come there for a quiet reading respite. Bring back the mean librarians!!
    • 4/5

      Oct 23, 2024

      This book would fit in several genres or areas: part non-fiction account of one of the most ubiquitous institutions in the world, part autobiography, part detective story and part paean. It is delightful, filled with interesting information and a historical foundation that makes it readable & instructive.
    • 4/5

      Oct 23, 2024

      Nonfiction book on history of the Los Angeles Public Library from its early days through the big fire in 1986 which destroyed a large part of its collections, including some priceless items and how it rose phoenix-like from the ashes of the old library to become outstanding in its new incarnation. Interesting with short biographies of its various librarians, also the young man, Harry Peak, who may or may not have started the fire. The book also stresses how modern libraries have become--more than a mere depository for books. Very readable. I had a special interest in this book, as a former librarian myself.
    • 4/5

      Oct 23, 2024

      A wonderful book that weaves a fire, a criminal investigation, history of libraries, the story of librarians, the history of the LA Central Library, along with the the present world of public libraries and how they are moving into the future. Public libraries are not boring depositories of books. This book examines the complex world of public libraries in an entertaining manner.

      Read this book and you will know why I love working in a library. This is where the individual and the community come together in the pursuit of learning. Enjoy.
    • 5/5

      Oct 23, 2024

      Wonderful fascinating exploration of libraries and the people they employ and those they serve, focusing on the Los Angeles Central Library & the result of the great fire in 1986.
    • 4/5

      Oct 23, 2024

      One of the best books I've read in years. Before I picked it up, I had no interest whatever in the subject matter, but Orlean can make anything riveting. Highly, highly recommended. Rich in detail and thoroughly researched.
    • 5/5

      Oct 23, 2024

      I am so grateful for this book. I read only a little at a time because I wanted to savor every chapter. This has skyrocketed to one of my top ten, maybe five, favorite books of all time.
    • 4/5

      Oct 23, 2024

      An ode to libraries wrapped in a history lesson disguised as a crime thriller.
    • 3/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      This book was well written and full of history and storytelling. It was just a bit long and had some parts of it that were just not interesting.
    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      First time I ever rested and listened to this terrific historical fact. I have been greatly educated.
      Thank you,
    • 4/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      Good book, although I felt that the reader should have researched how to pronounced words in other languages better
    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      This is a fascinating read. I highly recommend it to book lovers and library supporters.
    • 4/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      Wonderful. Full of information and also a mystery story. Recommended!
    • 3/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      I'd recommend skipping the audiobook version. I think it seems too scattered on audio and I typically prefer professional narrators over authors. I'm disappointed cause I expected to live this book. I think it was "sold" as the sorry of who set the fire when it's more of a comprehensive history of the LA library.
    • 3/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      This was an encyclopedic exploration of the Los Angeles library fire, the hapless man who was the main suspect, and anything else related to books and libraries. Orleans did a huge amount of research and shares it in a book that is terribly complex and hard to digest, which is why I gave it three stars.
    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      Wonderful read and very informative. Never knew that the LA Library had burned...
    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      This book is much more interesting than it sounds like it should be. It is well written and engaging. The author did a masterful job of weaving together the parts of the story. My one issue with the audio book is that the author’s breathing issue was distracting. Emphysema maybe? Her voice would catch and drop out like she had lost air. I found myself taking deep breaths for her.
    • 1/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      This book was so SLOW! I was not a fan and it was not as mysterious and exciting as I wanted it to be.
    • 4/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      This book has lead me to contemplate a career shift. I've always been a huge Library supporter, and considered getting my MLIS. Beautiful love letters to libraries all over, and the passionate and innovative librarians that create these magical spaces of community and collaboration.
    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      I learned so much about libraries listening to this excellent book. The author did an amazing job of weaving together the history and evolution of libraries with the case of the 1986 fire of the LA Central library. All library lovers should read or listen to this book.
    • 2/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      I couldn't even get through the first couple chapters because her voice was so distractingly grating. I'll have to try it in print.
    • 3/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      I know, I know. 3 star review aren't always the best (because I'm one of those judgemental people -- sorry (o.o.)\). But it's hard to review non-fiction books, at least for me though. Anyway, I really liked the premise. It was really fascinating, a great history capsule of libraries in general. There were so many things I did not know happen, and I know in part it's because I was not alive when they happened and I'm also in a state where education isn't the most funded social issue. Susan did a great job in her research of the LAPL.

      It may just have been me, but I wasn't there 100%. I did still enjoy it, just not as much as I wanted to and as much as many of my friends and co-workers. I still recommend it because I genuinely believe this is something that everyone should read and realize why libraries exists.

      Over All Rating: 3 brilliant stars
    • 5/5

      Nov 8, 2023

      This was wonderful! I NEED a copy in my hands ASAP!