I’ve returned.

If you have been living off the grid, like me, perhaps you didn’t see this touching flickr photostream of letters from authors and “important people” to the Troy, MI, Public Library upon it’s opening in 1971. Notable names in the lineup: Pearl S. Buck, Neil Armstrong, Isaac Asimov and Dr. Seuss. These letters remind me that people do learn a lot through informal media, and that type of learning is profound.

Also enjoying a brief spotlight is the Library of Congress National Jukebox, featuring incredible historic recordings from all genres and eras, and providing hours of audio entertainment. This is Pandora for the ages…what America sounds like. This is one of my favorite kinds of interactive digital exhibits; the experience is completely visitor driven, very low barriers to participation, and it can be experienced solo or in a group.

Next on the ketchup list: food.