Local libraries to host Obama inauguration parties
Michele Richinick, Globe Correspondent
No ticket to the inauguration? You might be able to go to your local library instead.
Some Bay State libraries are hosting parties on Jan. 20 where people can gather to watch a new chapter open in American history: the inauguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States.
Officials at libraries in Boston, Watertown, Lexington, Barnstable, and Andover say they are happy to provide a place for people to gather around televisions to share the day's events. Some are planning additional activities, including parties and games for kids.
“In this case, it is a very historic day, our first African-American president,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, a reference librarian at the Cary Memorial Library in Lexington. “We thought the community might want to share in that together. We are really excited about doing it.”
The library has even hired a professional videographer to film guests giving advice to Obama for his term in office. The DVD will be sent to the president, Dickinson said.
In Andover, the Memorial Hall Library will provide a free community viewing of the inauguration in the morning and an Inauguration Day party for students in grades six through 12 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“It’s a perfect event to have the TV on and watch what’s going on live,” said Kimberly Lynn, the teen and reference librarian. “Hopefully, it will be a fun atmosphere and people will be able to enjoy [being] together. The library is the community’s gathering place, so we’re really happy to be holding this to allow people to watch history unfold with other people."
The library will provide snacks to guests throughout the day, and organizers are planning to have a variety of red, white, and blue-themed games and prizes for the kids.
The Osterville Village Library in Barnstable will open earlier than usual at 9 a.m. for residents to gather to watch the inaugural events, said Leeann Amend, the library director.
Library officials feel they're providing an essential service.
“We feel as though it is something all libraries should provide to its patrons [and] community residents,” she said. “The whole idea is to gather with friends and neighbors and share this historic moment.”
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The libraries will be packed with homeless people.
Did they ever do this before ? I think not . Are these same worshippors going to be blaming evrything on Bush when Barrack screws up , you know they will . Just more bias just what commiechusetts needs .
Barack Obama, spending 20 years in Jeremiah Wright’s church, listening to anti-white hatred day after day does not qualify him to be president of the United States.
Barack Obama, someone who believes in murdering helpless unborn babies by abortion should not be president.
Barack Obama who believes in desecrating Holy Matrimony by allowing sodomites to blaspheme God by getting married should not be president
Your support makes you as guilty before God as he is.
What a fantastic idea. I am 66, and very happy about this special president. God keep him safe.
Did they do this with W?
What a great way to accomplish:
1. Showing kids that "history" isn't a dried-up survey of the past
2. Encouraging families to discover everything that libraries have to offer
3. Giving neighbors a chance to meet and talk!
Is this a first time the libraries are doing this or have they done this for previous inaugarations??
I don't remember any such parties for President Bush's inauguration in either 2001 or 2005. My sympathies to the Lexington taxpayers who are footing the bill for the videographer.
Why are you so afraid that you won't "get yours"? If you want Republican inauguartions in libraries, organize them.
Quit complaining and start doing -- YOU, not someone else. Become an active citizen, not an angry one.
Rev. (sic) Spitz's opinion on the beliefs of others should carry no weight whatsoever. He uses his own website to try to make heroes out of murdering terrorists like Paul Hill, Eric Rudolph, John Salvi, and James Kopp. He is so delusional that he thinks that he was ordained by the International Gospel Crusade, a denomination that only exists in his imagination.
I'm a while older woman, nearly eighty years old, and I'm practicing my inauguration jig. I thank God that I lived long enough to see this just man become president.
what a bunch of idiots!
These people can not be serious!! What were they living in an underground shelter the last 8 years???
To be able to speak our minds is a blessing of our citizenship. To waste it on more divisive drivel is a shame. Every inauguration is a patriotic and historic event worthy of celebration. As a taxpayer in lexington, I'm proud my library is participating and the naysayers are welcome as are the homeless. We are all americans and coming together is the true american way.
BTW, it appears the league of women voters is sponsoring the Lexington event, including the videographer
Here here for Peter and Heidi! Whether Democrat or Republican all of us should hail the inauguration of an African American as President of the United States as evidence that in this great country we really can learn not to hold our differences agains each other. Whether Republican or Democrat we should all wish him well. Think about it. Mr. Obama will be our President and if you're hoping he fails then you are hoping that this country fails too. We have a participatory democracy in this country. To make it work, we must all participate without demonizing those who disagree with us.
I voted for McCain, but my heart wasn't in it. I blindly accepted inaccuracies told about President Obama which have turned out to be untrue and driven by fear and ignorance. Now that I have listened to him and watched closely his positions and vision for this country, I think he is exactly what this country needs right now. I believe that God has ordained him for "such a time as this". I pray for his safety and wisdom. I'm thrilled that the libraries are making a place for families to gather and celebrate this historic event. God Bless President Obama and God Bless America.
What a fantastic idea! I am all for libraries making a truly historic event accessible to all. Hosting Obama Inauguration parties at public libraries strikes me as what democracy is all about: being free, gathering together for support, celebrating a vision of what the future can hold for us. Let's embrace change!
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