Reading Update

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

A book about the 1986 fire that burned the Los Angeles Public Library for seven hours, it has plenty to say about libraries and librarians more broadly. I am, admittedly, the perfect target audience here, as someone who has adored libraries since I was a child and likes wandering them more than any bookstore, but I think the book makes a compelling argument all on its own. The short chapters build together pretty well. They're on a dizzying array of relevant topics, from the fascinating collection of past LA city librarians to how does a book burn to failures in arson investigation to the history of people trying to destroy/control libraries and books.