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clairealex 's review for:
The Library Book
by Susan Orlean
A most interesting book. I have worked in a library and so appreciated the detail of less obvious processes, especially book restoration. However, I think people without that experience might also enjoy the inside look at the variety of what goes on in libraries. Since I also enjoy architecture, I also appreciated the side stories into the design of the central library and the debate over renew or replace.
There are three major threads: a historic horrible fire in the 80s, history of the Los Angeles library, and the author's various visits shadowing various library staff. I don't see any logic to the movement among the threads other than to keep the more exciting fire detail ahead like a carrot to keep one reading. There are some very interesting characters in the other sections as well that kept my interest.
The history of the LA library is set within the history of libraries as they continually reinvent themselves, with the LA library ahead of the curve many times--some ideas implemented, some not. I was distressed that this didn't include women's rights though when Mary Jones was asked to resign simply because they had decided they wanted a male head. I was proud of her law suit, but it was before the law backed non-discrimination. I wanted Lummis her replacement to fail.
There are three major threads: a historic horrible fire in the 80s, history of the Los Angeles library, and the author's various visits shadowing various library staff. I don't see any logic to the movement among the threads other than to keep the more exciting fire detail ahead like a carrot to keep one reading. There are some very interesting characters in the other sections as well that kept my interest.
The history of the LA library is set within the history of libraries as they continually reinvent themselves, with the LA library ahead of the curve many times--some ideas implemented, some not. I was distressed that this didn't include women's rights though when Mary Jones was asked to resign simply because they had decided they wanted a male head. I was proud of her law suit, but it was before the law backed non-discrimination. I wanted Lummis her replacement to fail.