On his way to file for unemployment on a computer at Walker Memorial Library, Paul Utterstrom stopped to watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama with a group of people gathered on the second floor.
He couldn’t help but think a new administration might mean there was a better chance he’d have a job by this time next year.
“Hopefully, he’ll do something about that,” Utterstrom said.
With flags, decorations, refreshments and a table of books about former presidents set up on the second floor of the library, the library was ready when some 30 viewers filtered into the conference room just after 11 a.m. Tuesday to get a good seat in front of the two televisions tuned to the inauguration.
As noon approached, more and more people gathered to watch both from inside the room and through its glass walls. Some came to the library to celebrate the new presidency. Others just happened to be passing through.
Ann Bainbridge was one of the first to arrive.
“I wanted to share this moment with other people,” said Bainbridge, a 65-year-old Westbrook resident.
Initially, Bainbridge, who also has a house just outside Washington, D.C., was tempted to attend the inauguration. She did for those of Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. But, in the end, she decided against it this time.
“I was scared of the mob scene,” she said.
Obama’s win felt particularly victorious for Bainbridge, because she helped out on his campaign.
“I was so ecstatic that he won,” she said.
Though Barbara Koumjian voted for Hillary Clinton in the primary, she was still caught up in the excitement of the event.
“I’m just incredibly thrilled that someone with African-American heritage is becoming president today,” she said. “It’s just amazing.”
Honor Sanville said that wasn’t something she expected to see in her lifetime.
“I think it’s great for the country,” said Sanville, who came to the library for her book club meeting, but didn’t mind that the viewing of the inauguration took its place.
Christie Ford, a 15-year-old Westbrook High School student, said she came down to the library after she finished her mid-terms.
“I just wanted to be part of the inauguration because I believe Obama will do a better job than Bush and bring the country back up to speed,” she said.
As former presidents doled out hugs and handshakes, the viewers at the library looked on intently. They laughed as Obama fumbled through the Oath of Office and applauded when he finished.
Assistant Library Director Marian Peterson, who organized the event, said it was a first for the library.
“It seemed appropriate,” she said, about offering up a community center like the library to view the inauguration.
“It’s more communal to be together to enjoy a momentous event,” said Peterson, who was very pleased with the turnout.
“It’s been wonderful beyond my expectations,” she said.
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