Do you love libraries? Me, too!
Over the next few months I'm going to be collecting stories about libraries: memories, misadventures, anecdotes, maybe even tales of romance between the stacks! It's all part of a community arts project, Re:Collections, and everyone is invited to participate: adults, kids, seniors, school groups, and current and former library staff and volunteers. Although my focus will be on our local community of Prince Edward County, I welcome stories from anywhere across the globe.
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| Introducing Dewey Decimal. Illustration by Niall Eccles. |
My love of libraries has been a life-long affair. Of course I enjoy reading and books, but libraries are so much more; they’re gathering places, spaces of refuge and community. They've played a huge role in my life, and I know the same must be true for lots of other people. Although libraries have been around since ancient times, the way people use them is changing. Libraries are adapting by embracing technology and providing new types of programming, making this is an ideal time to reflect upon the roles that libraries have played in our lives.
I'll be compiling the collected stories in three ways: creating a zine (small handmade magazine), a documentary theatre piece, and a creative display of stories to be unveiled at the next DiscARTed, the annual Picton art show of creations made from discarded books.
Stories of any length are welcome but they should be personal and true. Participants don’t need to be experienced writers, and can even have their stories audio or video recorded if they prefer. Comics and illustrations welcome, too! Members of the public can share their stories with me in person at the following locations and times:
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| Dewey Decimal. Illustration by Niall Eccles. |
Picton library - Sat. May 23, 11 AM – 4 PM
Mail stories to: Krista Dalby, 337 Clarke Road, Picton K0K 2T0
Email stories to: krista[at]smallpondarts.ca
Or call me to make other arrangements: 613.471.1322
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| Dewey Decimal. Illustration by Niall Eccles. |
Here are some ways your story could begin:
My first memory of a library is…
I remember one time at the library…
My favourite memory of a library is…
The most important thing I’ve learned at a library is…
I remember when libraries used to…
The strangest thing I’ve done in a library is…
I remember one librarian who…
The library of my childhood was…
Libraries have been important in my life because…
One time I lost a library book and…
The best library I’ve ever visited was…
...you get the idea!
Massive thanks to the Ontario Arts Council and County of Prince Edward Public Library for their support of this project.
