Collects strange-but-true anecdotes, heartwarming stories, and humorous interactions with patrons from a public librarian.

Presents alphabetical topics arranged from A to Z to identify the many things that make up a library, the history of libraries, and the many kinds of libraries that can be found around the world.

In a parody of the famous poem by Clement C. Moore, a harried librarian and her facility get a surprise holiday visit from Santa and his bookmobile.

"Susan Orlean reopens the unsolved mystery of the most catastrophic library fire in American history, and delivers a dazzling love letter to a beloved institution--our libraries"-- "Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative...