MemeMachineGo!

I just returned from the grand re-opening of the central branch of the Berkeley Public Library. This building has been closed for three and a half years, undergoing earthquake retrofitting and expansion. And it's gorgeous! There are some pictures here (digital artist's renderings... I can't readily find photos -- I'm going to have to start carrying my camera.)

The place was packed. The stacks were filled with hundreds of people. There were long lines of people with their arms full of books (and other media) at the circulation desk. And it was beautiful and I wanted to give everyone a hug.

Except for the unctuous guy at the automated checkout machine who had the same job as Sigourney Weaver's character in Galaxy Quest: repeating everything the computer said. "Put your card there." Dude, I'm checking out books. Incredibly enough, I can read.