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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Orlean visited the library shipping department, how many people were working?
(a) 7 men and 2 women.
(b) 11 men and 3 women.
(c) 8 men and 1 woman.
(d) 9 men and 4 women.

2. What day did the library burn?
(a) April 19, 1986.
(b) April 22, 1986.
(c) April 4, 1986.
(d) April 29, 1986.

3. How many siblings did Harry Peak have?
(a) 3.
(b) 1.
(c) 4.
(d) 2.

4. What book did Orlean burn when she decided she needed to burn a book?
(a) Lord of the Flies.
(b) 1984.
(c) Animal Farm.
(d) Fahrenheit 451.

5. When did Gene Scott, a pastor of the Westcott Christian Center buy a 4,000 seat auditorium that used to belong to the Church of the Open Door?
(a) 1986.
(b) 1977.
(c) 1981.
(d) 1974.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who used to operate a switchboard at the library?

2. In 1981, how much was a woman earning a year from selling books stolen from the Los Angeles Public Library?

3. How many counts of arson and murder was Glendale fire captain John Leonard Orr charged with?

4. How old was Bertram Goodhue when he died?

5. At the time the book was written, about how many firefighter arsonists were arrested every year?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was and was not covered by insurance for the Central Library after the fire?

2. Who was Bertram Goodhue?

3. What was Charles Lummis's first job in Los Angeles, and how did he get to the city from Cleveland?

4. Why was it probable that there would be a fire at the library?

5. What did Orlean discover about the library's reputation for being a quiet place?

6. What had to be done after the fire was put out?

7. What jobs did Harry have in Los Angeles?

8. Why did Arin Kasparian start working at the library, and how did it change his goals for a career?

9. What were some events that happened during Creason's career at Central Library?

10. Why did Orlean decide to burn a book, and why was it difficult for her?

(see the answer keys)

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