Reviews - The Library Book

5.36k reviews for:

I’m not big on non-fiction books but as someone who has loved libraries her entire life, I couldn’t put this one down. I learned a lot about libraries, the ‘86 fire, LA. It was easy to read and almost read like a podcast with lots of interesting characters.

merryspinster's review against another edition

5.0

I LOVED reading this book, which is about more than the fire that destroyed the L.A. library but is a tribute to libraries and library culture, far beyond just books. The closest I’ll ever get to being treated like royalty was at a time before my oldest started school, when I took my kids to the library three times a week to pick up our holds, which averaged between 50-100 books a week. The librarians knew us by sight, and they’d greet us by name, start pulling our holds, talk to us about specific books, and make recommendations while my kids watched baby herons live from a feed broadcast from a nearby nest (we went to storytime at a different library a little further away). Anyway, I am thankful for those library days, on behalf of my kids, my childhood, and my now. As a lifetime library nerd, this book celebrates my tribe and felt like home.

chelsea_msp's review against another edition

5.0

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

katejolley's review against another edition

5.0

Brilliant journalism and reporting told through masterful prose. This is a prime example of how passion and talent can turn a seemingly dry subject into fascinating storytelling. A mix of true crime, biography, history, and personal essay, the worst part about this book was that it had to end.

lib522's review against another edition

5.0

Being between jobs, I had two free days to relax- could have done anything really. But I ended up reading this book! So well written- it had to be for me to not want to put down a book about the history of a library. I give this ten stars!