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mlzbthc's review against another edition
4.0
The 1986 fire might be the entry point of this book, but it's actually more about the history of public libraries, specifically the Los Angeles Public Library. It reminded me just how important libraries are to the communities around them, how they create a bond between neighbors who might have nothing else in common. As with most public services, libraries are still as important as ever, while operating with smaller and smaller budgets. I hope books like this will remind more people how important it is to support these services, with taxes and with patronage and volunteering.
cpope9's review against another edition
3.0
What was the point of this book? I don't know.
I really enjoyed a lot of this but also really didn't. The main tale about the LA library is interesting and very well-told despite there being no real meat or climax to the story after the first two chapters. The rest of the book is a bunch of intersting but extremely digressive subplots about people, events, themes, and happenings that have some connection to the library over its history.
The writing is nice, though often over-expressive. But hopping from one story to another made this often feel more like skimming through book after book on a library shelf but only spending 10 minutes on each book before moving to the next; with no real sense of connection between stories except that they happen to be organized right next to one another on the shelf.
As such, this was more like a short story about the library fire with a bunch of historical biographical essays interspersed throughout.
2.5 stars
I really enjoyed a lot of this but also really didn't. The main tale about the LA library is interesting and very well-told despite there being no real meat or climax to the story after the first two chapters. The rest of the book is a bunch of intersting but extremely digressive subplots about people, events, themes, and happenings that have some connection to the library over its history.
The writing is nice, though often over-expressive. But hopping from one story to another made this often feel more like skimming through book after book on a library shelf but only spending 10 minutes on each book before moving to the next; with no real sense of connection between stories except that they happen to be organized right next to one another on the shelf.
As such, this was more like a short story about the library fire with a bunch of historical biographical essays interspersed throughout.
2.5 stars
noonebutchels's review against another edition
3.0
I found this engaging but also quite plodding....and even as I say that I understand that it doesn't really make sense.
Good writing style for sure, and I sure do love libraries.
Good writing style for sure, and I sure do love libraries.
embleberry's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting real life story of a library fire
lee_noel's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
3.75
While I found the overarching story interesting, it felt very drawn out and meandering in a frustrating way. Non-library employees might find it more engaging in a pull-back-the-curtain way. I was regularly irritated by the author’s use of the clunky “he or she” throughout the book and it was very clearly written by a white, cisgender, heterosexual, middle class woman. Glad to have her as a library advocate though!
leslielikesthings's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0