In The Library Book Orlean aims to offer a well-rounded discussion of libraries, rooted by the story of the Los Angeles Library fire in 1986. Yet, the migrants who start flocking to California were literary minded and wanted a library similar to ones they used in eastern cities.

Her lyrical and insightful writing about books and how alive they always are should speak to anyone who loves books, reading, and libraries. But ultimately it was an an emotional book for me as a retired librarian, although not a public librarian, but mostly as a book lover. Later, they learn that the library is under threat of closure and, together with Maggie’s book group and other library patrons, they vow to fight the council’s short-sighted plan. So much is contained in the book and I felt at times that it was a little scattered moving from the fire to her experiences, to the history and then to the fire and the investigation. Betty was quick with the tissues, which gave Maggie a chance to swivel around the offending letter and have a quick read for herself.According to the Public Library Manifesto published by UNESCO, “The library is a prerequisite to let citizens make use of their right to information and freedom of speech. Like nearly everyone else here on Goodreads, libraries have always been like an oasis for me, a place I could escape to and be alone if I felt so inclined, or as part of a community of people that share the same love of books. While she is mostly self-sufficient at the farm, when she asks for help, Tom readily agrees, especially as a roast dinner is on offer.

The author introduces each chapter with the library details of various books that might apply to the chapter. Tom and Maggie find each other through the library, but their friendship grows as Maggie becomes a defacto mother to Tom during the worst of his father’s decline.

There were moments that made me smile or laugh and others that brought tears or, at times, frustrations and anger. If you listen to the audiobook version, the reading of this irrelevant number becomes exceedingly annoying. From Portland, I moved to Boston, where I wrote for the Phoenix and the Globe, and then to New York, where I began writing for magazines, and, in 1987, published my first piece in The New Yorker. The information about Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy and active support of libraries is both relevant and interesting, but other books provide much greater depth. I held my Moms hand as we walked in and as so as I saw my section, I begged to let go of her hand as I nearly ran to grab new books that my parents and I would read together.