We are Ken Jennings and John Roderick.

We are seeing this message.

We are Ken Jennings and John Roderick. We speak to you from our present, which we can

only assume is your distant past, the turbulent time that was the early 21st century.

Fearing the great cataclysm that will surely befall our civilization, we began this

monumental reference of strange and obscure human knowledge.

These recordings represent our attempt to compile and preserve wonders and esoterica that would otherwise be lost.

So whether you're listening from an advanced civilization or have just reinvented the technology to decrypt our transmissions,

this is our legacy to you.

This is our time capsule.

This is the omnibus. And Thank you. You have accessed entry 445 2T0413, certificate number 29342.

Extremely overdue library books.

You took this book out in 1971.

Yes, and I returned it in 1971.

71. That was my first year on the job.

Bad year for libraries.

Bad year for America.

Hippies burning library cards. Abby Huffman telling everybody to steal books.

I don't judge a man by the length of his hair the kind of music he listens to. Rock was never my bag.

But you put on a pair of shoes when you walk into the New York Public Library fella.

Look, Mr. Buckman.

You have a young daughter, John. Do you guys avail yourself of your local public lending

...