This is a preview of my Friday “10 Things” newsletter. Friday editions are free for everyone.
Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends.
It’s the first week of January which means here in the US, the public domain was just infused with all sorts of new (old) content. Included this year are the later Sherlock Holmes publications (YES!) and Metropolis, an early film of art deco dystopia.
Millions of documents, images, and other media now live in the public domain, making them freely available to anyone. We can use those works as inspiration for creating our own, standing on the shoulders of giants, and bringing our own creative ideas into the never-ending mix.
As such, here are some things on content, creation, and the public domain that I thought were pretty awesome.
Miles Davis, the American jazz impresario, once said, “Time isn’t the main thing, it’s the only thing.”
For certain, we don’t have enough time to do everything we want to do in our classrooms. But we are given the same amount of time as everyone else in this old world of ours, so we must figure out better ways to use our time.
For educators and administrators to thrive in the classroom or beyond, they need a firm grasp of time management. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – every educator has different obligations, workloads, and personalities.
The good news is that with a few powerful strategies for maximizing productivity, you can take control of your time to reach new heights of efficiency in both teaching and administrative tasks.
So let’s dive into some powerful strategies which will enable you (and, by extension, your school) to get more done in less time – so that you can focus on what matters most: creating an amazing learning environment where students can thrive.
Time management tips for educators
Educators are always looking for ways to be more efficient with their time. Here are some tips that can help:
Plan ahead. The more you plan, the less rushed you’ll feel and the more accomplished you’ll feel at the end of the day.
Set priorities. Know what is important and focus on those tasks first.
Delegate tasks whenever possible. Get help from others in your department or school to lighten your load.
Take breaks. Breaks help to refresh your mind and make you more productive when you return to work.
Use technology to your advantage. Many helpful tools online can help you manage your time better.
Tips for maximizing productivity in the classroom
To boost productivity in the classroom, several things can be done. Creating a supportive and effective learning environment is one of the most important. This can be accomplished by providing clear guidelines and expectations for the class and by interacting with students in a supportive and upbeat manner.
Being organized and having a plan for each class time are also crucial. This entails having a specific goal for what you want students to learn and a flow of activities that will guide them there.
It is also helpful to give students structure, especially if they struggle with focus or organization. This can be done by giving them specific tasks to complete during class or by providing a model for how work should be completed. Finally, it is important to remember that different students learn differently and to try to incorporate different teaching methods into your classroom to reach all students.
Strategies for conquering paperwork and administrative tasks
When it comes to conquering paperwork and administrative tasks, there are a few key strategies that can help make the process a little bit easier.
Yes, even in the digital world, there is still “paperwork” to deal with daily. It just happens to take up space on a hard drive or cloud storage somewhere. You still need a strategy for processing those files.
First and foremost, you should devise a system for arranging your paperwork/digital data. This could imply organizing documents into topic-specific folders, color-coding them, or using another method that makes sense to you. A system will help you keep track of what you have and will make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Another effective strategy is to divide large tasks into smaller ones. Trying to tackle a mountain of paperwork all at once can be overwhelming, so take it one step at a time. Begin by identifying the most pressing tasks and focusing on them first. Then move on to less urgent matters. Breaking the process down into smaller chunks will make it feel less intimidating and more manageable.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There is no shame in admitting that you are struggling with a particular task and seeking assistance from someone who can help. Friends, family members, and even professional assistants can all be useful resources for getting things done.
Making a personal time management plan is an excellent way to ensure that you use your time as efficiently as possible. When developing your strategy, keep the following points in mind.
The first step is to determine your objectives. What do you hope to accomplish in life? After you’ve identified your objectives, you can devise a strategy to achieve them.
Your time management strategy should also include a daily schedule of what you intend to do. This will help you stay on track and make progress toward your objectives. It is also critical to be realistic about how much you can accomplish in a day and to avoid over-committing yourself.
Furthermore, creating some ground rules for how you will use your time is beneficial. Will you, for example, allow yourself to check email or use the internet for recreational purposes only after certain tasks have been completed? Will you designate specific times of the day for work and rest?
Making a personal time management plan can help you do more daily and reach your goals. By taking the time to create a plan that works for you, you can ensure that you are making the best use of your time.
The benefits of effective time management for educators
Time management is an important skill for educators. When educators are organized and efficient with their time, they can accomplish more during the school day. This not only benefits the educator but also the students they teach.
There are several benefits to effective time management for educators. First, when educators are organized, they can plan their lessons better and ensure that all necessary materials are prepared ahead of time. This makes for a smoother classroom experience for both the educator and the students.
Second, when educators are efficient with their time, they can get more work done in a shorter amount of time. This allows them more time to spend on important tasks such as grading papers or preparing for future lessons.
Third, when educators manage their time well, it can lead to a more balanced lifestyle. This is important, as it can help prevent burnout.
Lastly, when educators are good at managing their time, it sets a good example for their students. Teaching students how to manage their time effectively is an important life skill that will benefit them long after they have left school.
To summarize, effective time management has numerous advantages for educators. When educators organize and use their time efficiently, they can accomplish more during the school day. This results in a more enjoyable classroom experience for both the educator and the students and a more balanced lifestyle. Teaching students how to effectively manage their time is an important life skill that will benefit them long after graduating high school.
If you’re a teacher, you already know that time management is critical to academic success. You can maximize your productivity, conquer paperwork and administrative tasks, and create a personal time management plan that works for you by following some simple tips and strategies. The advantages of effective time management are numerous; not only will you be more productive in the classroom, but you will also have more free time to pursue your interests outside of work. Learn more about how to manage your time as an educator here.
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I talk a lot about reading here on this site because I believe we learn more if we read more. And if we read books that challenge us, that learning increases exponentially.
I can speak to my growth as a writer and educator as I’ve worked to increase the number (and type) of books I read each year.
Of course, everyone is different, and your reading goals likely don’t align with mine, nor should they. Your reading habit should support your goals personally and professionally.
Reading more books can be daunting, especially when you have a long list of books you want to get through. It is important to read for personal and professional development, but finding the time and motivation can be difficult.
We’re all busy and have many things competing for our time. Family, friends, work, and life ask more of us daily.
Thankfully, there are ways to make reading more manageable, so you can reach your goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Setting Goals
The first step in making reading more manageable is setting goals. It is important not to share your goals publicly as this will increase the pressure to reach them. Instead, create realistic and achievable goals that you know you will be able to meet without too much stress.
Break large goals into small ones so that they are easier to manage. For example, if your goal is to read 10 books by the end of the year, break it down by setting smaller monthly or weekly targets instead.
Putting Reading Time on Your Calendar
I’m a big believer in scheduling time in your day for the tasks you deem most important.
It is easy for reading time to get lost among other commitments throughout the day. To make sure you prioritize reading, set aside specific times each day or week when you dedicate yourself completely to reading. This could be during your lunch break at work or before bed each night—whatever fits best with your schedule.
You could even set reminders on your phone for when it’s time for “reading hour” each day so that it doesn’t slip away from you too quickly.
Joining or Starting a Book Club
Joining a book club or starting one of your own has many advantages when it comes to managing your reading goals and habits. Being part of a book club allows you to connect with others who share similar interests while also providing accountability and support in achieving your own personal goals.
There are plenty of online book clubs available if there isn’t one local enough for you to join in person, but starting one yourself would allow complete freedom when it comes to choosing topics and themes that interest all involved.
Always Carrying a Book On You
Carrying a book around with you wherever you go (Kindles and other digital readers make this easy) makes it easier for moments throughout the day when there may be some downtime or waiting around—whether that be in line at the store or waiting for an appointment—to become moments devoted solely towards catching up on some pages rather than scrolling through social media timelines or checking emails out of boredom.
As long as there’s something good enough in hand, these moments can become part of a routine, which helps keep track of progress over time and stay motivated about reaching those larger goals.
Not Feeling Bad About Quitting Books That Aren’t Enjoyable
Not every book we choose will immediately grab our attention which means sometimes we may need some convincing before we keep going with something new; however, don’t feel like quitting after only giving something new a few pages just because someone else said it was amazing —reading should always remain enjoyable no matter what everyone else says! Give yourself permission not just stick with what everyone else recommends but also take chances on those books that really spark an interest within oneself first and foremost.
Conclusion
Making reading more manageable means taking control of how much time is dedicated to getting through books effectively without feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations placed upon oneself or others alike.
Creating routines such as setting achievable goals, putting reading time on calendars, joining/starting book clubs, carrying books around everywhere possible, and allowing yourself permission not to finish any books if they’re not enjoyable are all great places to start when trying to make sure all those different genres & topics get their fair share attention moving forward.
Ultimately, if you want to read more, the only way to do that is to just read more. But that’s not always so easy. These tips will, hopefully, give you some support in increasing your reading in the coming year.
The Reading List
If you’re looking for book recommendations, I release a reading list email monthly. In each newsletter, I recommend 5-10 books that I think are great, along with a one-sentence recap. I also include connections to other books I’ve read and why I think you might enjoy reading them as well.
If you’d like access to that reading list, fill out the form below, and you’ll receive the next monthly email.
Sitting down on the first day of a new year to share something with you feels a bit… different. Over the years, I’ve been hit or miss with my blog posts and have never really achieved a consistent posting schedule.
That changes in 2023.
Along with adopting a regular posting schedule, I’m setting my goal for my reading this year. I’ve done a yearly reading challenge for the past three years and read over 100 books annually in 2021 and 2022.
For 2023, I’m upping the book count to 150.
Why? Because I looked back at my reading numbers and saw “gaps” in my reading time throughout the year. Here’s a look at my reading stats for 2022 from Storygraph:
As you can see, my reading progress suffered in January, February, June, and August. November is abnormally high due to a LARGE number of short audiobooks. I worked really hard to get my numbers for the year up. Yes, I achieved my goal, but I wasn’t smart about it.
I’ve got a better plan in place this year, not only to read more books but learn more from what I read. And that plans start with setting a goal.
Setting a Reading Goal
Setting a goal for the number of books you want to read in a certain time period can be a powerful way to help you read more. Here are some tips for making this goal actionable:
Be specific and measurable. Rather than setting a vague goal like “I want to read more,” set a specific target like “I want to read one book per month.” This way, you’ll have a clear benchmark to measure your progress.
Make the goal achievable but challenging. Choose a goal that is challenging enough to motivate you but not so difficult that it becomes discouraging. If you’re new to reading, for example, starting with a goal of one book per month might be a good place to start. As you get more comfortable reading, you can gradually increase your goal.
Set a deadline. Giving yourself a deadline can help you stay on track and ensure that you don’t put off reading. You might set a goal to read one book per month for a year, for example, or to read a certain number of books by a specific date.
Write down your goal and track your progress. Put your goal in writing and post it somewhere visible as a reminder. You could also use a reading tracker or app to keep track of your progress. Seeing your progress in black and white can be a powerful motivator.
Celebrate your achievements. When you reach your reading goal, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment. This could be something small, like treating yourself to a new book or your favorite dessert, or something bigger, like taking a trip or going out for a special dinner. Whatever you choose, make sure to take some time to enjoy your success and give yourself credit for all the hard work you put in.
Of course, I’ll be documenting my progress and learning from what I read right here on this site. You can find my GoodReads profile here if you want to see the books as I’m reading, or check right here on the blog for updates with the tag 2023 reads.
Have you set your own reading goal for 2023? Keep watching here as I’ll share more tips in January to help you read more.
MP
Thanks for reading. Get access to exclusive content and expert insights on technology, teaching, and leadership by subscribing to my newsletter. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and join our community of professionals and educators worldwide.
I am lucky to work in a profession that allows me time to read. Actually, it’s pretty much part of my job to read professional development books. I’m always looking for new strategies to share with teachers.
Of course, I also read out of necessity for my doctoral work. And that reading will only increase in the next few years. Still, I am committed to reading as much as possible since I am working on my books (you gotta read if you want to write). More on that later in this post.
I’ve participated in reading challenges for the past few years, but I thought I’d publish a list of the best books I read this year. I wanted to do this partially as. a way to remind myself of the books I’ve read and what I learned from them and encourage more of you to read more in the next year. You can’t go wrong by reading more, and if you plan the time, I promise you’ll be astounded by how much you can read in a year.
Here, in no particular order, are the books that I loved the most in 2022:
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
In her fascinating 2018 book, The Library Book, Susan Orlean recounts the story of the Los Angeles Public Library and its remarkable journey from destruction to rebirth. On April 29th, 1986, a devastating fire consumed the Central Library of Los Angeles, destroying hundreds of thousands of books and leaving much of its infrastructure in ruins. Through extensive research and interviews with those who lived through this tragedy, Orlean sheds light on how the library could be rebuilt despite such immense destruction (Read More).
Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson
In his riveting narrative, Robert Kurson captures the true story of two relic-seeking divers’ incredible discovery off the coast of New Jersey in 1991. John Chatterton and Richie Kohler are presented with an opportunity to unearth a mysterious secret hidden for over 60 years – a German U-boat from World War II. Through their perilous journey, they set out to identify the submarine and uncover the human bones on board (Read More).
Quiet by Susan Cain
The world of psychology is constantly evolving, but one concept remains the same: the idea that introverts and extroverts exist on a spectrum. In her book Quiet, Susan Cain dives into how this dichotomy has been viewed through the ages and how embracing both types of personalities can lead to a healthier, more well-rounded society (Read More).
Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson’s novel, Oathbringer, is the third installment in the best-selling Stormlight Archive series. This epic fantasy novel follows Dalinar Kholin and his quest to protect Roshar from the Voidbringers. The novel features a wide array of fascinating characters, a thrilling world, and a gripping plot that will keep readers hooked until the very last page (Read More).
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
The Rage of Dragons is an exciting new fantasy novel by author Evan Winter. It’s a story about a young man who embarks on a quest for revenge after suffering a major personal loss. But this isn’t just another tired, Eurocentric medieval fantasy—this story draws inspiration from African cultures and offers readers something fresh and unique (Read More).
Truman by David McCullough
Presidential biographies are often a great source of information for understanding the character and accomplishments of the presidents who have shaped our country. David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Truman, serves as a particularly informative and in-depth look into the life and legacy of President Harry Truman.
This book is an important resource for learning about Truman and provides insight into his optimism, diligence, perseverance, political talents, and acumen. Let’s dive deeper into the book and explore what makes it so special. Read More
Final Words
I read 102 books in 2022 (tying my count from 2021) and plan to read at least that many in 2023. Starting in January 2023, I’ll send out my reading recommendations each month based on what I’ve read.
I release a newsletter every Friday with 10 Things I think are worth sharing across my various interests. Once a month, I send an additional reading recommendation list as well. The newsletter is free, and you can sign up right here.
One last thing…
I’ve been thinking about writing books for a long time. Then, I decided I would get ready to write books & stories. Now, it’s time to make that happen.
I’m launching the Patreon page for my books/stories/connected world of The Heretic Chronicles. I aim to have the first novel ready to publish (self-publish) by the end of 2023. Along the way, there will be behind-the-scenes previews, short stories, and more for patrons. If you’d like to support this work (or want to hang around and watch the train wreck!), head on over to my Patreon page and sign up (for as little as $1/month!)
Thanks for being here in 2022, I’m looking forward to bringing you more content than ever in 2023.
The Rage of Dragons is an exciting new fantasy novel by author Evan Winter. It’s a story about a young man who embarks on a quest for revenge after suffering a major personal loss. But this isn’t just another tired, Eurocentric medieval fantasy—this story draws inspiration from African cultures and offers readers something fresh and unique.
The book follows Tau, a young Omehi warrior. Tau is a “lesser” in his society and has little chance of achieving greatness in his life. The story really kicks off as he embarks on his journey to seek revenge against those responsible for murder. Along the way, he meets interesting characters and encounters unexpected obstacles that test his courage and determination. He also discovers secrets about himself that he never knew before—secrets that could change the course of his mission forever.
What really sets this book apart is the incredible world-building that Winter has done. Through subtle details woven throughout the narrative, we get to experience this fascinating fantasy world through Tau’s eyes. From the vibrant culture to the frightening creatures, there are so many things to discover in this world that it becomes easy to immerse in. Additionally, Winter does an excellent job with character development—each character has their own backstory and motivations driving their actions, making them feel more real to readers than just two-dimensional stereotypes or tropes often found in fantasy books.
In addition to its rich world-building and characters, The Rage of Dragons also features plenty of action scenes that keep readers engaged throughout the story. Winter deftly moves between multiple storylines without sacrificing tension or character development, allowing readers to progress through Tau’s journey while also taking detours into side stories involving other characters in this large world. These side stories add depth to both Tau’s arc but also show us more about how different people live in this world – which only serves to make it more immersive for readers as they dive deeper into this fantastic tale.
Conclusion
The Rage of Dragons provides readers with an exciting new take on fantasy storytelling by drawing inspiration from African cultures instead of traditional Eurocentric settings and characters. Evan Winter does an excellent job creating a believable world filled with interesting characters whose motivations drive intense action scenes throughout the book’s narrative arc.
Brandon Sanderson’s novel, Oathbringer, is the third installment in the best-selling Stormlight Archive series. This epic fantasy novel follows Dalinar Kholin and his quest to protect Roshar from the Voidbringers. The novel features a wide array of fascinating characters, a thrilling world, and a gripping plot that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
1248 Pages – 11/14/2017 (Publication Date) – Tor Books (Publisher)
The Foes That Dalinar Kholin Must Face
Dalinar must draw upon all of his strength, courage, and wit to succeed in his mission. He must battle against the mysterious Voidbringers who seek vengeance for their ancient wrongs. These foes are powerful and relentless in their pursuit of destruction. They are led by an entity known as Odium who has set out to destroy everything that stands in its way. On top of this challenge, Kaladin Stormblessed must grapple with coming to terms with the newly kindled anger within himself and amongst his parshmen allies. It is uncertain whether he can control these newfound emotions or if they will consume him completely.
Examining Urithiru and Dalinar’s Mission to Bring Unity to Alethkar
As well as facing numerous foes on Roshar, Dalinar also embarks on a mission to unify his homeland of Alethkar under one banner. To do this, he needs guidance from the enigmatic city of Urithiru, which lies hidden high in the mountains of Roshar. With Shallan Davar leading an investigation into its wonders, Dalinar hopes to not only bring together Alethkar but also unite all nations across Roshar under one banner for peace and prosperity. However, it soon becomes clear that there is more at stake than just unifying Alethkar; this mission could determine the fate of all those living on Roshar for many years to come.
Conclusion
Oathbringer promises excitement at every turn as we follow Dalinar Kholin on his journey across Roshar. Readers can expect thrilling battles against powerful enemies, thought-provoking explorations into morality and identity as Kaladin confronts inner demons and challenges himself emotionally, and gripping investigations into Urithiru’s magical secrets as Shallan Davar leads her team deep into unknown territory.
The world of psychology is constantly evolving, but one concept remains the same: the idea that introverts and extroverts exist on a spectrum. In her book Quiet, Susan Cain dives into how this dichotomy has been viewed through the ages and how embracing both types of personalities can lead to a healthier, more well-rounded society. Let’s explore why this book is so important for introverts and extroverts alike.
In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that over time, society has placed an increasingly larger emphasis on extroversion as being the “ideal” personality type. Additionally, she claims that in many circles, there has been a stigma attached to introversion—that quieter people are seen as weak or less capable than their louder counterparts. To back these claims up, Cain provides several examples from our shared history to further illustrate her point.
For instance, she cites examples from early twentieth-century education systems which favored loud students over those who were more contemplative and reflective in their approach to learning. She also touches upon how certain organizations have implemented policies specifically designed to encourage outgoing behavior and discourage quietness in the workplace.
Exploring How Quiet Encourages a Deeper Understanding of Introverts
The core message of Quiet is that every single person is capable of greatness—no matter if they identify as introverted or extroverted. This message comes through clearly throughout the book as Cain shares real-life stories of individuals who have overcome adversity by tapping into their inner voices and using them as tools for success. By reading these stories, readers are encouraged to recognize just how powerful it can be when we embrace both sides of our personalities and use them together in harmony rather than focusing solely on one side or another.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no one “right” way to be—introversion and extroversion are equally valuable traits that should be embraced within ourselves and recognized among others in our lives. QUIET offers an eye-opening look at how society has come to value one type over another and encourages us all to take steps toward recognizing both qualities as necessary components for a thriving society.
In his riveting narrative, Robert Kurson captures the true story of two relic-seeking divers’ incredible discovery off the coast of New Jersey in 1991. John Chatterton and Richie Kohler are presented with an opportunity to unearth a mysterious secret hidden for over 60 years – a German U-boat from World War II. Through their perilous journey, they set out to identify the submarine and uncover the human bones on board.
432 Pages – 05/24/2005 (Publication Date) – Random House Trade Paperbacks (Publisher)
The Discovery of a German U-boat
In Kurson’s description of Chatterton and Kohler’s initial findings, readers will be drawn into this thrilling narrative as if they were there with them. They embarked on their mission as passionate recreational scuba divers who were searching for sunken relics from wars past. What they discovered was an unidentified submersible structure resting on the ocean floor which led to further investigations into what it could possibly be. After combing through debris littered around it, they made an unsettling discovery – human remains inside the vessel. This evocation of the era of U-boat threats during World War II is truly powerful and serves as a reminder that these war stories are far from just history books pages.
Research Efforts to Identify Submarine China & Human Bones
Chatterton and Kohler quickly understood that reliable information about their find would not come easy, so they assembled a team consisting of historians, scientists, and marine archeologists to assist in their research efforts. By examining items such as submarine china bearing Third Reich insignia, valuable clues were uncovered about its origin. As the investigation continued, speculation arose surrounding what could have caused human bones to be aboard this particular vessel at its time of sinking in 1945. Through this remarkable journey of adversity and unlikely success stories, Kurson masterfully captures all aspects of this enthralling real-life mystery.
Conclusion
From start to finish, Kurson writes with incredible detail that makes destruction palpable and allows readers to truly experience each chapter as if they were part of it themselves. He paints a vivid picture that pays homage to how Chatterton and Kohler were able to uncover such a mysterious secret which was thought lost forever in time – or worse yet – remained buried forever beneath the waves like many other ships whose stories will never be known or honored in such an impactful way. “Shadow Divers” is both humbling and inspiring, leaving behind a poignant reminder that history is not always as it appears on paper or in textbooks.
In her fascinating 2018 book, The Library Book, Susan Orlean recounts the story of the Los Angeles Public Library and its remarkable journey from destruction to rebirth. On April 29th, 1986, a devastating fire consumed the Central Library of Los Angeles, destroying hundreds of thousands of books and leaving much of its infrastructure in ruins. Through extensive research and interviews with those who lived through this tragedy, Orlean sheds light on how the library could be rebuilt despite such immense destruction.
The blaze that consumed much of the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles started around 11 pm on April 29th, 1986, and burned until dawn. By then, it had destroyed 400,000 books and damaged 700,000 more. Unfortunately, the building was also left in ruins; its fire-resistant materials had failed to contain the blaze, spreading quickly throughout the library’s many floors and departments.
The Effects of the Blaze
When news of the fire reached Angelenos, many feared that their beloved library was gone for good; however, remarkably enough, it was able to be rebuilt in just over two years due to an outpouring of support from citizens across Los Angeles. While reconstruction efforts were underway, there were still significant obstacles to overcome — they had to reconstruct an entire building and replace hundreds of thousands of lost books.
The Inspiring Stories Behind Rebuilding Efforts
Throughout her narrative, Orlean introduces us to some truly inspiring stories about those involved with rebuilding efforts after the fire. Harry Peak—a young actor, embroiled in a complex case involving arson—and Gene Scott—the eccentric pastor who spearheaded fundraising efforts—are two prime examples whose stories help demonstrate how a community can come together during difficult times and achieve seemingly impossible feats.
Charles Lummis’ Impact on the Rebuilt Library
We also learn about Charles Lummis — one of America’s first conservationists — whose legacy remains alive today at the rebuilt Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. Before becoming a conservationist, he served as a librarian for five years at what is now known as Lummis House; his dedication to reading left a lasting impression on patrons before and after his tenure there. His influence can still be felt today at Lummis House and other libraries across California thanks to initiatives he championed, such as public access points for children living in poverty-stricken areas or those without access to technology or internet service.
Conclusion
Susan Orlean’s The Library Book is ultimately a love letter to public libraries everywhere; she highlights their essential role in society by telling us stories about those involved with rebuilding efforts after the devastating fire that consumed much of downtown LA’s Central Library in April 1986. We are reminded that libraries are more than just places where we go for information or entertainment; they are bastions for knowledge that provide access points for people regardless of their race or economic background and help foster communities within our cities and towns worldwide.
