nonfiction annotation: the library book

Author: Susan Orlean

Title: The Library Book

Genre: Nonfiction

Publication Date: October 16, 2018

Number of Pages: 317 pages

Geographical Setting: Primarily Los Angeles, California

Time Period:  1800s through 2017

Series: N/A

Plot Summary: Part true crime narrative, part sweeping cultural history, New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean documents the journey of Los Angeles Public Library from its humble origins to the vital institution it is today, interwoven with an examination of the most catastrophic library fire in American history which nearly destroyed the LAPL's Central Library building in 1986.  

Subject Headings: Los Angeles Public Library. Central Library -- Fire, 1986; Los Angeles Public Library. Central Library -- History; Public libraries -- California -- Los Angeles -- History; Social history; Arson -- California -- Los Angeles; Libraries and society; Public libraries -- Fires and fire prevention -- History; Arson -- California -- Los Angeles -- History

Narrative Continuum: Based on the examples given by Wyatt (2007) in The Readers' Advisory Guide to Nonfiction, this book falls somewhere in the middle of the narrative continuum, not often relying on narrative devices but still telling a compelling story in a highly entertaining way.

Subject: Specifically, the Los Angeles Public Library and the 1986 Central Library fire. More broadly, public libraries, their changing roles over time, and their current state as a vital institution in their communities.

Type: Reporting & history writing

Appeal:

·       Tone: Dramatic, informative, reflective 

·       Characterization:  With nonfiction, there are no characters. However, Orlean does a masterful job depicting the various staff members she interacts with, the numerous library directors that helmed the LAPL, suspected arsonist Harry Peak and his friends/family, and the firefighters, police officers, and investigators involved in the fire. Although discussing real people, Orlean's extensive research and rich detailing breathes life into the names on the page, allowing readers to understand and connect with them. 

·       Storyline:  This sweeping book covers a lot of ground, alternating chapter by chapter between the past and the present. Within the past, Orlean follows the story of the 1986 fire and the immediate aftermath of the investigation and trial over the subsequent years. She also details the origins of the Los Angeles Public Library in the 1800s, then traces its various iterations, branches, financial & legal challenges, directors, and more through it becoming the library it is today. In the present, Orlean interviews staff and details the services they provide to paint a picture of a modern public library. 

• Intent of Author: While there is a lot of educating going on, especially with the history of LAPL and the exhumation of the relatively unknown and oft overlooked library fire and subsequent investigation, Orlean matches these facts with entertaining moments from her personal life and the daily goings-on of the LAPL staff.

• Subject focus: The LAPL and the Central Library fire are certainly the crux of the narrative, however Orlean also uses these subjects to make larger points about the significance and importance of public libraries at large.

·       Language/style: Interwoven with the richly detailed depiction of library life throughout the last two hundred years, Orlean offers witty and reflective observations about her research process and personal experiences. Altogether, this makes for a compelling, entertaining, yet meaningful read. Although my own work in a public library makes some elements of the book familiar to me than someone who doesn't, Orlean's language is accessible for any reader. 

·       Setting: The setting is primarily Los Angeles, California, and the surrounding metropolitan area. The LAPL is the main focus of the book, so both the historical discussion of its creation and the modern look at its daily operations place us within the walls of the main library building.

·       Pacing: Medium-paced. Chapters are fairly short, and the weaving back and forth through time (with the 1986 fire as a through-thread) keeps things moving. 

·       Learning/Experiencing: Primarily, Orlean intends for this book to teach her readers, but there are often moments, especially those in the present day with the library staff, that aim to share experiences.

·       Detail: Richly detailed; some photographic images, "Notes on sources" section 

**Content Warnings: Arson, fire injury/death, misogyny**

3 terms that best describe this book:  Compelling, informative, sweeping

Relevant fiction: 

·       The Lions of Fifth Avenue – Fiona Davis 

      Described as a "love letter to librarians," this historical fiction novel finds its setting in another large public library, but in New York City instead of Los Angeles. Fans of The Library Book who enjoyed weaving back and forth in time with Orlean will appreciate Lions' parallel narratives, taking place in 1913 and 1993.  This highly acclaimed novel is notably also richly detailed, well-researched, and is considered by NoveList Plus to be a "Book Club Best Bet," just like The Library Book.

·       The Last Chance Library – Freya Sampson 

      Another NoveList "Book Club Best Bet," this heartwarming novel depicts the lengths librarians and patrons will go for their beloved library. For those who were charmed by Orlean's stories about eclectic patrons and dedicated librarians, Last Chance offers an intimate examination of a small town library in a British village and the passionate few who refuse to let it be taken from them. Sampson's engaging relationship fiction novel proves how crucial libraries are to communities, the essential concept upon which The Library Book is predicated. 

·       The Absolute Book – Elizabeth Knox 

      Sprawling and engrossing, this epic novel is part quest fantasy, part conspiracy thriller. Focusing on protagonist Taryn, author of a critically acclaimed book about the various threats posed to libraries (including fires), Absolute delves into her connection to the cold case murder of her sister and a mysterious, seemingly indestructible ancient scrollbox called "the Firestarter" that has survived numerous famous library fires. Readers captivated by the LAPL fire and the other library fires Orlean described may be intrigued by this richly detailed gateway fantasy that puts real world stakes on an age-old conflict between demons and the sidhe. 

Relevant nonfiction:

·       Portable Magic: A History of Books and Their Readers – Emma Smith

For bibliophiles who enjoyed Orlean's exploration of the history of libraries (or, at least, one particular library), Smith's witty and engaging examination of the history of books is a perfect follow-up. Highlighting specific titles and trends, Smith, a Shakespeare scholar, examines the power of books though history in this dazzling and provocative study. She focuses on "bookhood," "the impact of touch, smell, and hearing, on the experience of books," to argue that a book's form contains just as much magic as the story in its pages. 

·       American Character: The Curious History of Charles Fletcher Lummis and the Rediscovey of the Southwest – Mark Thompson  

Book's thirteenth chapter introduces readers to perhaps the most fascinating character in the LAPL's history, Charles Lummis. While his story only overlaps with a small portion of the larger story of the library system, reader's won't be surprised that Lummis' real-life adventures warranted a tome of their own. From walking over 3,000 miles from Cincinnati to Los Angeles, to his connection with Theodore Roosevelt, to his staunch dedication to achieving rights for Native Americans, Lummis was a man worthy of his "western maverick" title. 

·       The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders – Stuart Kells

      Matching Orlean's wit and rich detail, this expansive examination takes a broader look at libraries and their history, branching out to cover famous libraries, and library-related crimes, around the world. Kells' thorough research, acquired while traveling across the globe as a "Library Tourist," emphasizes the lasting importance, relevance, and humanity of the library as an institution, a bookish space, and the necessary keepers of our histories.