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  • The Library Book

  • By: Susan Orlean
  • Narrated by: Susan Orlean
  • Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)

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The Library Book

By: Susan Orlean
Narrated by: Susan Orlean
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Publisher's Summary

A New York Times Book of the Year.

A Reese Witherspoon X Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick.

A dazzling love letter to a beloved institution—our libraries.

After moving to Los Angeles, Susan Orlean became fascinated by a mysterious local crime that has gone unsolved since it was carried out on the morning of 29th April 1986: who set fire to the Los Angeles Public Library, ultimately destroying more than 400,000 books, and perhaps even more perplexing, why?

With her characteristic humour, insight and compassion, Orlean uses this terrible event as a lens through which to tell the story of all libraries—their history, their meaning and their uncertain future as they adapt and redefine themselves in a digital world.

Filled with heart, passion and extraordinary characters, The Library Book discusses the larger crucial role that libraries play in our lives.
©2018 Susan Orlean (P)2018 Simon & Schuster
Journalists, Editors & Publishers Library & Museum Studies True Crime Words, Language & Grammar
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Critic Reviews

“Exquisitely written, consistently entertaining.” (New York Times)

What listeners say about The Library Book

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Profile Image for Jacalyn Twentyman

Loved it as much as I love the library

The Library Book is rich in history, entertaining and well read. I highly recommend it.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.