Fascinating! Unless you’re a plumber, equestrienne, sous chef, endocrinologist or astronaut; then, not so much.

I am not sure how I came across this book, but the story peaked my interest. What I read was a lot more than I had imagined. If you are at all interested in libraries, this book will enlighten and edify you, and is highly recommended. Don't get me wrong, this is not a story about libraries, it is the story about the largest fire to a library in the U.S. and the investigation of that fire, suspected to arson.

Susan Orlean conducts a in-depth and thorough review of the fire, the investigation, the suspect, and all the aspects surrounding the fire. What really made it interesting, was hearing the first hand accounts of the library staff. These were dedicated librarians whose livelihood and their profession were turned upside down because of the fire. Hearing their personal reflections and feelings added so much depth and interest to the fire. Everyday, we hear about some type of tragic incident, but only the facts of that incident. Hearing the first hand accounts, before, during, and after the fire of these librarians, added so much humanity to what would otherwise just be another tragic incident.

Interwoven between the account of the fire, the investigation, and the rebuilding of the library, are mostly accounts of how the "Central Library" in downtown Los Angeles, came into being, how it grew, the head librarians were over the years, the goals, ambitions, projects, etc., of the library (as well as other libraries) were and how they implemented them, as well as every other facet of any library system, is presented in between the main story.

This interweaving of the history of the Central Library and operations of the library, were quite interesting, but at times a bit tiresome and distracting. I felt at times that you suddenly jumped tracks at critical points of the real story to jump back in time about its past and development, only to circle around again, and resume the investigation.

I will have to say that Susan Orlean did a wonderful job of blending the history as well as the investigation into one story line, but as stated above, the history was at times: distracting.

The depth of her research was noticeable, as well as her personal dedication, which rings out during the course of the whole story. Her admiration and respect for libraries and librarians cries out loud and clear, and I did like her optimism for the future of libraries.

I have deep respect for libraries, what they bring to communities, and firmly believe that every community, no matter how large or small should have a library, it is the center of a life long learning as well as path to stories and imaginary fantasies for all to experience and grow. Because of this respect, I will have to say, that I was very sorrowful deep inside as I read about the day the fire nearly burned down the library and over 400,000 books and other materials disappeared forever. That tragedy was so well described, it could not do anything but grab you as to the enormous loss that was suffered that day. But it was also wonderful to learn about and see people galvanize and engage in rebuilding the library and bringing that desire to a wondrous conclusion.

You can't help to enjoy this book, respect the research and dedication of Susan Orlean, and the world of books and libraries. This book is a capsule of all of that and an enjoyable, edifying, and touching read.

A fine non-fiction love letter to libraries by the best-selling author of *The Orchid Thief* and other books. This is also a true detective story focused on a disaster – the 1986 fire that destroyed a large part of the collection of the Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library. You may not remember much about that event; it didn’t receive as much national publicity as you would expect, because it happened on the same day as the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in the Soviet Union.

Orlean jumps back and forth on several levels:
-- The story of the fire itself and the library’s recovery.
-- The history of the Los Angeles Public Library including how the LAPL operates today.
-- Her own life experiences in libraries.
-- Her quest to track down what really happened in 1986.

All of the sections are interesting; but I especially liked her appreciation of what libraries do in the community, with a focus on what LAPL offers to the homeless citizens of L.A. It’s all a lot to squeeze into only 300 pages, so the book moves pretty quickly. If you have any friends who doubt the current need for public libraries, this is a compelling argument.

Jan Reynolds' recommendation - NF

On April 29, 1986, the largest library fire in American history engulfed the Los Angeles City Library, damaging or destroying more than one million books, not to mention countless other media. Long considered arson, the true cause of the fire has remained a mystery. In alternating chapters, Susan Orlean tells three stories: that of the fire, its aftermath and investigation; the founding and history of the city library itself; and the library and its services today in the 21st century.

News of library and museum fires is devastating, imagining thousands of irreplaceable information and artifacts of human history going up in smoke -- my heart aches when thinking about the Library of Alexandria and, more recently, the National Museum of Brazil, which tragically went up in flames one year ago this month. This is a difficult read at times, but the salvaging process and the investigation of the fire are fascinating, and the chapters about the library's history are full of colorful characters and interesting controversies.

This is a captivating story about the great fire of the Central Library of Los Angeles in 1986 and of various characters who have populated this library's history -- Mary Jones, Charles Lummis and suspected arsonist Harry Peak among them. Some U.S. and worldwide history of libraries and the role they play in civilized society is tossed in. Thirty-two short chapters.

Unfortunately, the text -- on just about every page -- is marred by superfluous adjectives, awkward or inappropriate metaphors or sometimes whole sentences stating the obvious. Very surprising to come from a staff writer of the New Yorker and in light of the multiple thank-yous to various editors on the Acknowledgement pages. I found these deficiencies very irritating at first but they kept coming so I had to make an effort to read over them to allow the story to continue.

A index, at least of names, would have been helpful.

I came to this book as a result of a laudatory review article by Sue Halpern in the New York Review of April 18, 2019. She didn't warn me about the poor writing style!

Amazing read. Susan takes an ostensibly boring topic - the LA library system - and breathes life into every employee, patron, and branch. I loved this book from start to end, but I think it's good to go in knowing that less than half the content is about the library fire.

Interesting read if you live in California and are familiar with the LA public library.

A book to treasure! Ostensibly an account of the 1986 fire that devastated the Los Angeles Central Library, The Library Book is a love-letter to all libraries and librarians. After savoring this as a library loan on Kindle, I felt compelled to buy the hardcover edition to keep and share with my daughter who is studying to become a librarian.

The book tells about the fire that closed the main LA library but this book is also a interesting read for anyone who enjoys libraries and would like to know more about the history of how they came to be, what functions they served as they grew and what the future will have in store for the users of the library. I found it interesting that budget cuts have always had to have people's services limited.