Auburn Public Library plans to host The Ephemera Project, a crowd-sourced archive of the people one loves and the objects that hold them together.
The library staff and artist Tanja Hollander will photograph objects and gather stories from 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, in the Androscoggin Community Room at the 49 Spring St. library.
Historically, the word ephemera is used to describe paper objects with no monetary value meant to be discarded, such as ticket stubs, posters and cards. Here the definition is expanded. At its heart, this project encourages and celebrates making space to value and listen to each other, according to a news release from the library.
The project is evolving into a powerful collaboration based on memory, self-reflection and vulnerability. There are notes from loved ones and objects that signify time passing — such as the broken watches of passed-away family members, the baby teeth of grown children, moments in history, mementos of a vacation and a subway ride. Simple reminders of people they love and homages to life experience.
Hollander is looking for participation. She would like this project to be inclusive, welcoming objects and diverse stories. This is open to any age group and participants from all over the world.
Hollander will give a short talk about the project at 2 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. she will begin to photograph one’s treasures. Objects will be photographed and cataloged, and the images will be included as part of The Ephemera Project. All objects and stories will be on view online and in multiple locations including at Maine MILL in Lewiston.
To participate:
1. Bring two to four objects, not larger than 8-inch by 10-inch (the size of a piece of paper) on Oct. 12. Hollander will work with each ephemera and will give it back the same day. If there is not enough time, she will work with the Auburn library to return items as soon as possible. People can sign up to attend by completing the registration form on the library’s website or by calling 207-333-6640, ext. 4.
2. Fill out the Google Form on the library’s website and bring it to the library on Oct. 12; one also can complete it in person on Oct. 12.
Hollander works with photography, video, social media and data to understand cultural and visual relationships.
For more information about other upcoming programs at the library, visit auburnpubliclibrary.org.
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