Tides swept across the crowd at the National Mall, rolling on the swaying arms and waving signs from the Capitol Dome to the Washington monument. An estimated one million people came to see Barack Obama be sworn in as 44th President of the United States and to hear the words that he would impart at a pivotal turning point in our nation. His speech was expected to define the challenges facing Americans and begin to lift a nation that has lost its way. They gathered in Washington en masse for days prior to the official ceremony waiting to hear the words – words from the nation’s first African-American President delivered in his trademark, prolific fashion – but words, all the same. (more…)
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Tags: Obama, The Library
Libraries
Thursday, July 24th, 2008
A cruciform shadow falls across the Gardner Public Library rooftop at sunset. Not long after its shape atop the bell tower has been cast, at closing, the librarians turn all the overhead lights off except for a bank in the center of the building that creates a warm, soft light reflected in the windows.
The sidewalk rises as it comes to the library’s west side and turns south at a 90-degree angle. From that place, pedestrians, day or night, can look down on the puzzles, stuffed animals and rounded tables in the children’s section. A small reading room for periodicals can also be looked into with its long, wide table and reading chairs. Celebrity faces stare back from the wall along with joggers mid-stride and African woman framed by the familiar yellow square from National Geographic covers. (more…)
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Tags: The Library
