This is the wrap-up thread for The Library Book! I think it went really well for a first book, it shattered my high expectations and I’m thrilled it worked out. Comment below with your thoughts!
As for the next book:
The vote was really, really close. Like by one vote.
I also got feedback from people who wanted a little more notice as to when the book was announced so they can reserve it from their own library.
To neatly solve these two issues, the next book we read will be Ian Urbina’sThe Outlaw Ocean, and the following book after that will beThe Meritocracy Trap!
Given the length of Ocean I bet we start Meritocracy sometime around Christmas, for planning purposes.
So for next week, try to get your hands on a copy of The Outlaw Ocean and read the first chapter, you can get it at your local library, indie bookstore or Amazon. If it takes you a little longer to score a copy, that’s no trouble, it’s somewhat longer than The Library Book so you’ll have more time and can always hop in on older threads. When you buy through a link here we get a percentage of the sale.
So, any final thoughts on Orlean’s paean to the library? What stuck with you? What were your expectations, and was the outcome any different? How’s it going? Comment below!
I enjoyed the book immensely since it brought so many great memories of the many libraries that have made my career possible and my life enjoyable. However, I feel there are really two books here. One is the book the author was yearning to write in praise of and explanation of libraries and librarians. The other was the story of the fire at the LA library. The second provided a dramatic framework for the first. The author makes it work fairly well, but the combination made for a somewhat unsatisfactory ending. The second story ends unresolved (how did the fire start?) and the first, well, that is a never ending story (or at least one hopes).
The book club was a great idea and I really liked The Library Book. I enjoyed the history of the LAPL and hearing of their plans for the future since I love libraries and hope that they are all able to evolve and stay relevant in communities. It was a little disappointing that the cause of the fire was never determined but not surprising.
I’m enjoy the Numlock Book Club very much Walt. It’s going to be interesting to see how it evolves.
I wonder if there is a better way to the Q&A section. More organized by topic can free-for-all. There has been some good posts made but if there were more confined to a topic/thread it would perhaps engender more back and forth.
Loved the book and I am enjoying the Book club for sure. Though I do think we need separate threads for the different topics of the book being discussed. As for a final thought about the book this quote by Conan the Librarian John Szabo summed up perhaps the greatest thing about libraries "The most beautiful thing about public libraries is that they're open and free to everyone".
I learned for the first time about the fire and immediately went searching for information. I was beyond saddened and very disappointed that the case was never solved. Once I made the decision to join the book club, I was determined to find the time to read the book. Which I did! I learned so much about librarians and libraries - how many services they perform and how much they love their work. Thank you!
Thanks for bringing me to a book I would never have read on my own! Ironically when Library was first announced as the book club selection, every single copy in the Chicago Public Library System was checked out/on hold. I just checked on The Outlaw Ocean, and all copies are out/on hold. Is this your doing??? If so, good going -- bringing good books to a new audience is a great outcome.
I enjoyed the book immensely since it brought so many great memories of the many libraries that have made my career possible and my life enjoyable. However, I feel there are really two books here. One is the book the author was yearning to write in praise of and explanation of libraries and librarians. The other was the story of the fire at the LA library. The second provided a dramatic framework for the first. The author makes it work fairly well, but the combination made for a somewhat unsatisfactory ending. The second story ends unresolved (how did the fire start?) and the first, well, that is a never ending story (or at least one hopes).
The book club was a great idea and I really liked The Library Book. I enjoyed the history of the LAPL and hearing of their plans for the future since I love libraries and hope that they are all able to evolve and stay relevant in communities. It was a little disappointing that the cause of the fire was never determined but not surprising.
I’m enjoy the Numlock Book Club very much Walt. It’s going to be interesting to see how it evolves.
I wonder if there is a better way to the Q&A section. More organized by topic can free-for-all. There has been some good posts made but if there were more confined to a topic/thread it would perhaps engender more back and forth.
Loved the book and I am enjoying the Book club for sure. Though I do think we need separate threads for the different topics of the book being discussed. As for a final thought about the book this quote by Conan the Librarian John Szabo summed up perhaps the greatest thing about libraries "The most beautiful thing about public libraries is that they're open and free to everyone".
If you are member , The Outlaw Ocean is available on Scribd.
I learned for the first time about the fire and immediately went searching for information. I was beyond saddened and very disappointed that the case was never solved. Once I made the decision to join the book club, I was determined to find the time to read the book. Which I did! I learned so much about librarians and libraries - how many services they perform and how much they love their work. Thank you!
The Outlaw Ocean has a 16 week wait time online in the NY Public Library. There are 27 on hold for the book!
Thanks for bringing me to a book I would never have read on my own! Ironically when Library was first announced as the book club selection, every single copy in the Chicago Public Library System was checked out/on hold. I just checked on The Outlaw Ocean, and all copies are out/on hold. Is this your doing??? If so, good going -- bringing good books to a new audience is a great outcome.