Back in January of 2009, I had the opportunity to trek to Washington, DC for the Presidential Inauguration.  It's hard to believe an entire year has now passed. One of the most memorable moments of my experience came when the "We Are One" concert was re-played on all of the jumbo trons before the ceremony.  When the song "This Land is Your Land" was led by Bruce Springsteen and Pete Seeger, everyone joined in singing.  Singing that great American folk song with about two million of my fellow citizens was an overwhelming experience.  I wonder if Woody Guthrie would have ever imagined such a scene when he originally came up with the song in the 1940s.When I nestled back into my friend's warm apartment to begin thawing out, I was so excited to be able to listen to "This Land is Your Land" through the library's online database - Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries. Not only could I listen to the song performed by Pete Seeger with his 5-string banjo, I could listen to performances by Ella Jenkins and the late, great Woody Guthrie himself!  There are so many amazing musical works available from Smithsonian Global Sound.  How wonderful to be able to listen right from home -- or wherever you happen to be online!  All you need is a Richland County Public Library card.  Click here to learn more about getting a library card. 

The library also has Springsteen's recent album -- We Shall Overcome:  the Seeger Sessions on compact disc.  I think it's definitely worth a listen. 

Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries is a virtual encyclopedia of the world's musical and aural traditions and can be accessed by clicking here.  If outside the library, you will need to click on "home access," then enter your library card number and pin (usually the last 4 digits of your phone number).