As President Barack Obama prepared to take his oath of office, people at the Alachua County Headquarters Library in downtown Gainesville took in the moment with quiet fascination.
"It's a very exciting time," said Be Astengo, the library's adult services manager. "We wanted to offer space for people to see this moment."
In the rest of the library, people went about their regular activities. They searched library databases, checked out books and registered library cards, seemingly unconcerned about the ascendancy of the next president.
Still, a few of the library's patrons gathered into meeting rooms to view Barack Obama's inauguration.
Inside the library's Foundation Room, about 20 people watched CNN's coverage of the inauguration ceremonies in subdued, contemplative silence.
They sat in black, high-backed executive chairs around a polished table, as if they were about to begin a board meeting.
The event was calmer than other celebrations in Gainesville, but signs of excitement were evident.
People squirmed in anticipation when Obama stood and approached the Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts shortly past noon.
Chairs turned and neighbors smiled at each other knowingly, as if they all shared a private joke with Obama in the punch line.
As soon as he was declared the 44th president of the U.S., the room broke into cheers of joy and applause. People smiled and hugged each other.
Tiffany Smith, 33, who took a break from her job in the Veterans Administration's Sun Center office, said that she felt inspired and optimistic about the coming years.
"The world just changed," she said.
Before closing the door, Astengo shared her thoughts about Obama's speech.
The country is in a state of fear, and Obama will have to address problems such as unemployment and health care. Americans need to be patient, she said.
She said Americans should remember that Obama is only human, and things won't necessarily change overnight.
"He's the next president, not the Messiah, so don't let your expectations be too grand," Astengo said.
