The author tells the story of how the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation stayed open throughout the war, against a backdrop of barbarity and dehumanization. The Library symbolizes learning and intellectual curiosity, as it provides a beacon of hope in a world that brute force and nonsensical and hateful dogma govern. Employees of the Library deliver books to Jewish subscribers, whom Nazi edicts have banned from public life. This courageous act of resistance reminds people like Professor Cohen of the goodness in the world and, in her case, enables her to complete her manuscript. Visits from Mr. Pryce-Jones and others to Professor Cohen highlight the importance of a community of scholars. A library doesn’t just house books but is alive with people and ideas.

As the main narrator, Odile testifies to how vastly books and ideas contribute to a person’s psyche and identity. Books teach people empathy and help them find their place in the world. In tough times, books invite readers into the perspective of others and allow them to draw important life lessons from the experiences of others. The Soldiers’ Service, which Miss Reeder creates, is wildly successful, as soldiers find solace in reading and in stories.