Have you ever wanted to learn something about astrophysics? Are you interested in the history (or future) of artificial intelligence? The Mechanics' Institute staff members have chosen books to get your mental juices flowing. Check out the 2nd floor display and satisfy your curiosity!
Sharon selected How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter by Sherwin Nuland. This book is so comfortable in dealing with an uncomfortable subject matter that she deems it recommended reading before you even want to think about it!
Jeremy chose The Physics of Star Trek by Lawrence Maxwell Krauss. Jeremy's a Trekkie and admits it! But with NASA recently announcing that they're working on a warp drive that operates on the science similar to that which flings the Enterprise through space, maybe it's time to brush up on the theoretical physics that powers this popular sci-fi series. Make it so!
Taryn recommends American Wasteland by Jonathan Bloom. A terribly sad expose of how much food Americans waste. This will make you more cognizant of your own shopping and consuming habits.
Heather selected Computer Power and Human Reason by Joseph Weizenbaum. Published in 1984, the author crafts a compelling argument that although artificial intelligence is an inevitable (and mostly good) technological development, only humans have the judgment to make the most important decisions. This is a classic text on the proper role of technology. (Bonus Fact: the author created ELIZA, the first natural language processing program whose applications had surprising results when human subjects began interacting with "her".)
Mechanics' Institute staff members have selected their favorite titles in science and tech, written in styles from confessional to conventional. Whether you're a technology novice or an old hand, come see if there's something interesting to read on the 2nd floor!
If science isn't your game, the library staff has, as always, selected some interesting fiction for your consideration.
