A New York Times Book of the Year, 2018
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 29 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.

"Exquisitely written, consistently entertaining" - New York Times

"Moving... A constant pleasure to read... Everybody who loves books should check out The Library Book " - Washington Post

"A loving and diligent portrait of a particular place and its history" - Financial Times

"Enthralling and inspirational... Above all, this excellent book is an unashamed love letter to the public library system... In this fine and heartfelt saga, [Orlean] repays a lifelong debt with both passion and elegance." - Alexander Larman, Observer

"An exemplary work of creative non-fiction... I can't recommend this book highly enough. It manages to be deft and serious at the same time, elegiac and optimistic, scrupulous and free-wheeling... just buy it." - Scotland on Sunday

"Vivid... Compelling... Intimate and epic" - Wall Street Journal

"Mesmerizing... A riveting mix of true crime, history, biography, and immersion journalism... Probing, prismatic, witty, dramatic, and deeply appreciative, Orlean's chronicle celebrates libraries as sanctuaries, community centers, and open universities run by people of commitment, compassion, creativity, and resilience." - Booklist (starred review)

"Engaging... Bibliophiles will love this fact-filled, bookish journey." - Kirkus Reviews

"Orlean has a knack for finding compelling stories in unlikely places." - Kathryn Hughes, Guardian