The Library Book |
The fire that gutted the Los Angeles library in 1986 was
shocking to staff, patrons and the community at large. This was a library that housed research
collections, the largest record of patents in the U.S., a history of the
entertainment industry in L.A., a huge collection of maps, as well as popular
reading and children’s material. The
L.A. library was very well used at the time, creating a hub of humanity in an
otherwise impersonal downtown L.A. To
have a building, or rather an institution like this destroyed by fire was
devastating for many.
But how did the fire start?
Susan Orlean delves into the investigation, the witnesses, and the prime
suspect to an arson, Harry Peak. Orlean
is clearly fascinated by the idea that someone could burn down a library, and
she has extensively researched Harry Peak’s background. Harry is an enigma, a man who changes his
story at every turn, and who is somewhat down on his luck. He’s a good-looking wannabe actor like so many
others. But how does this translate into
becoming an arsonist?
Chapters on the fire and subsequent investigation are
interspersed with a history of the L.A. Library, including its eclectic list of
City Librarians. These include Charles
Lummis, a man who walked from Ohio to California and whose favourite
accessories included a sombrero and moccasins, and women like Tessa Kelso and
Mary Jones who abolished membership fees and began to make the library
accessible for children. Readers learn
about the lives of many of the librarians as well, as Orlean asks what drew
them to libraries in the first place.
Maybe it’s because I’m a librarian, but I loved this book. (Actually, my son’s basketball coach
recommended it, so I think it appeals to many.)
It’s not just a dry history of a particular library. Rather, it’s a celebration of the institution
we call the library. It details its
evolution from book depository to community gathering place. It revels in the library’s role in education,
democracy and equality. And it underscores
the idea that rather than become obsolete, libraries have matured, and continue
to meet their communities’ ever-changing needs. If you love the library for any
reason, I highly recommend this book!
I am completely agree with you, I am an amazing fan of your site, genuine guard post Keep making such stunning post, wecare riteaid com
ReplyDeleteYou made a good site and also you sharing the best information on this topic. I am impressed with your site’s blog. Thank you all
ReplyDeletepandoralistens net
Thanks for sharing your experience
ReplyDeletegreatpeople me kroger employee login-portal
How did I never get to know about this book if it was such a huge hit! Being a bookworm that I’m; I must know about all of the famous ones at least (lol). I’m such a bookworm that I often go to the library and hire someone to Take My Online Class Now so that they can attend my class and I can complete yet another book.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really nice and helpful storic book. I'm satisfied that you made such a great content book it helped to Custom Assignment given by the university professor. Please stay us informed relating to this. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteWho writes my homework?
ReplyDeleteHelp me with my homework!!!
If you are in the same boat as many students, you might be wondering https://studyfy.com/homework-help who will write my homework for me? Using an online service can be a lifesaver. If you need help with your homework but don't have the time or patience, you can outsource the task to a professional writing service. Not only will this save you time and energy, but it will also let you sleep well at night knowing that someone else will take care of your homework