Review for The Library Book by Susan Orlean

As an avid reader that has also been a long-time patron of the library, I jumped at the chance to read this title for the 2023 reading challenge Around the Year in 52 Books. While the true prompt was a book where books are important, I think anyone would say that a book entirely arguing that libraries are important works under the same umbrella. At least I hope so anyway!

The sheer amount of information contained in The Library Book overwhelmed me a bit at first. Starting with the narrower scope of a raging fire in the Los Angeles central library in 1986, the reader is soon taken on a journey that spans the entire history of the Los Angeles library system. That focus continues, at least geographically for the most part, but there are some segues toward libraries in general and the author’s personal life. A broad lense look so to speak, it became both a blessing and a curse.

When I wasn’t at school, home, or sports, I was usually at the library growing up. Even now, there are days I go just to spend the time despite being able to check out virtually everything online without having to physically go there. Given that long history and connection, I was surprised by just how many new things I learned from this book. And from so many various perspectives too. The chronological history of the head librarians of Los Angeles provided some humor as well as made connections to some of the events of those times. Another way the author argues the case that libraries can be an important part of the social structures of a community.

I do appreciate the scope of what is being attempted here, and I do find the information valuable despite the enormous net being used. The issue then becomes less about just how much is on offer, but in just how it’s being offered. The Library Book, at least to me, felt more like three possibly even four separate books all interwoven together. There is the through-line of the Los Angeles library fire and the aftermath, including an arson investigation. There is the timeline and succession of the colorful people who led the Los Angeles system. Layered on top of that, the author’s personal connection to libraries, research and interviews that helped create this book, and a case study for why libraries are important round out the remaining page count.

Each does have something to add to the story, some more so than others, a lot of the impact feels lost because everything gets scattered around. We jump forward, we jump back. One of those ‘inner books’ might have two, three, four chapters in a row then not be picked up again until 50 pages later. Perhaps it’s just personal preference, but the skips made this less enjoyable a read than it otherwise could have been.

The Library Book is available to buy on Amazon.