The Library Book taught me for more than I ever thought I needed to know about the Los Angeles Public Library. The premise of the book is an investigation of the 1986 fire that shut the library down for months (the repairs and renovations weren't finished for years). To this day no one knows for sure what happened, but Susan Orlean follows the story of Harry Peak, the primary suspect. During her investigation, we learn about the history of the library and how the system operates today. The Library Book is not particularly fast paced, but it's good nonetheless.