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Monday, August 17, 2026 at 12:58 AM
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The Library Book by Susan Orlean

The Library Book by Susan Orlean
This recounting of the 1986 fire that devastated the Central Library in Los Angeles acts as a catalyst for a primer on the science of fire and also a look at how it may have started, a bit of library history worldwide, why libraries matter, hilarious stories about some of the goings-on in libraries and much more. Orlean has the knack for pulling threads on a seemingly mundane institution and shining a light on what makes it special. After describing the book burnings during the Nazi regime in Germany she decides to burn one herself to get a truer sense of what that would feel like. It didn’t feel great. After a careful investigation on who may have started the fire she comes up confounded and thinks maybe it wasn’t arson after all. Orlean has produced an informative and fascinating tribute to libraries. Carol Lloyd is the Churchill County Librarian, and avid reader, and promoter of local artists.    

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COMMENTS
Comment author: Patti Cole Comment text: Marie will be forever treasured in memories. The memories remain of a soft-spoken, seemingly unassuming but determined individual who absolutely knew what path she wanted to take in life, and followed it. Her instinctive reactions, which highlighted her steadfast level of love and caring for her family, friends and all living things found in nature, hold lessons for us all. An unexpected splash of her self-deprecating humor, coupled with uncanny timing, will always bring a smile. For me, Marie lives on in the sighting of a Black-crowned night heron in the tules, the bloom of a beautiful spring flower and, most poetically, in the struggle of wildlife photographers handling their very large camera lenses. Comment publication date: 8/15/26, 9:31 AM Comment source: Obituary-Marie Dong Ko Comment author: John Chaney Comment text: I just figured out that Betty was my 1st cousin. Her dad Ted was my dad's brother. I never knew Ted or Betty, but I wish I did. I am 73 and live in IL. I am building my family tree and see where Betty has fit in. Blessings to you Curt and family. Comment publication date: 8/14/26, 11:04 AM Comment source: Obituary - Betty Lou (Chaney) Anderson Comment author: Karen Webb Comment text: I am so sorry to hear this. I loved coming to the carwash to see John! He always made my day. Prayers for all of his family during this difficult time. Comment publication date: 8/11/26, 8:56 PM Comment source: In Memory of John Evans Comment author: Laura Ivey Comment text: I am so very sorry for your loss of John. He always made my day when I went to the car wash. I will miss his joyous personality and that smile. Comment publication date: 8/10/26, 9:52 AM Comment source: In Memory of John Evans
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