I would go back to Little Rock happily.
The people were friendly and helpful. I expected a city of blight, but it’s a city of successful downtown renovation. Wonderful, old brick and stone buildings house eclectic restaurants, galleries, shops and offices. The Clinton Presidential Library anchors the far end of what used to be a derelict warehouse district. His modern, glass Library hangs over the Arkansas River, brilliantly cantilevered over the riverbank, encompassing old and new city, past and present, land and river.
Inside the Library, Clinton’s life and presidency are presented both high and low tech. Countless touch screens unfold the overview of his two terms…highlights, legislation, successes and struggles…mixed with letters from ordinary Americans, world leaders and famous figures…priceless gifts from heads of state, and tons of great photos. All the facts and numbers are there–as well as the Clinton Family’s warmth, concern for their fellow man at home and abroad.
I loved the re-created cabinet room, each chair around the table labeled with the names of his Cabinet members. I assumed the President sat at one end. But no, he sat in the middle, with the Secretary of State to his right, Secretary of Defense to his left, the Vice-President opposite.
This building is an archive in overdrive, but its detail and vast information are easy to access and digest. Way down the block is the gift shop, separated from the library on purpose. Clinton chose the separation to draw others into the restoration effort.
It doesn’t matter whether you love, hate or ignore Bill Clinton. This library takes advantage of the latest technology to tell the story of one president. Impressive!