“The Library Book” by Susan Orlean (“Orchid Thief”) recounts the fire that gutted the Los Angeles public library, destroying nearly a million volumes. Her question: did someone purposefully set fire to the library—and if so, who? Along the way, she sidetracks into the evolution of libraries, talks about their crucial role in our lives and delves into the LAPL’s distinctive lore and cast of characters.  This is a great read for who cares about books or simply enjoys a master story teller.