More than 900 students, alumni, staff and community members lined Broadway last evening to meet Jimmy Carter, who greeted the crowd and signed copies of his new book, Sources of Strength: Meditations on Scripture for a Living Faith. As a PBS camera crew filmed the event, the former United States President autographed books from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Columbia Bookstore in Lerner Hall.

As people approached the former President, many expressed their admiration for Carter's work. One student told him about her experiences working with Habitat for Humanity, an international housing advocacy and building program that Carter supports.

A child asked Carter what he has been doing since leaving the White House. Carter responded that he writes, plays tennis and works with Habitat for Humanity. Impressed with the list, the child exclaimed, "Wow! That's a lot for an old guy," which drew charmed laughter from the former President.

Last night Carter sold more than 800 copies of his book and signed many more that had been sold during the week.

Bookstore manager Kevin Renshaw said he was pleased with the community's response to the event.

"We think people will really start looking to the store for different events and discussion groups," said Renshaw.

This is the fourth event of the semester at the bookstore--located on Broadway at W. 115th St.--and the seventh since it opened last April. Film professor Annette Insdorf will be signing copies of her new book, Double Lives, Second Chances--The Cinema of Krzysztof Kieslowski on Nov. 9. Columbia Professor Edward Said and author Andrew Tobias are expected for future signings.