“Even the oddest, most peculiar book was written with that kind of crazy courage - the writer’s belief that someone would find his or her book important to read.”

The Library Book is a love letter to books, but mostly to libraries and the people who work in them. It took me back to my childhood of weekly trips to the local library to exchange my book cache and summer reading challenges, and then hiding out for hours in my college’s library when my roommates were too loud or annoying. Susan Orlean rightly describes libraries as sanctuaries, community centers, and places of refuge for those who need shelter or support from their city agencies. I don’t spend as much time in libraries these days as I used to, but The Library Book made me want to stop by local branch to wander through it with a new set of eyes and appreciation for all it has to offer.

I first read Susan Orlean’s works in my undergraduate English program. I read several of her books while studying narrative nonfiction and enjoyed learning about interesting people (Female bullfighters) or animals (Rin Tin Tin). Libraries aren’t a new topic for me by any means, but there was plenty to learn and be surprised by in The Library Book. I really loved learning about the history of the Los Angeles library system and in particular, Central Library. Orlean takes the reader through the evolution of the library, its Head Librarians, and how the library’s programs grew and adapted to me the needs of its members over time.

The Library Book also follows the saga of its big fire in 1986 and the only suspect, Harry Peak. I think this is where the book falters a little bit -I was less interested in the life story of Peak and the investigation into the Library fire or its suspect. These chapters seemed at times misplaced or too lengthy - the real star is Central library itself, and all of its history, drama, and glory.

I can’t wait to visit Central Libray myself soon to see it all for myself.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read and enjoy this egalley!