Back to all Ephemera

AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Ephemera Project is a crowd sourced archive of the people we love and the objects that hold us together. It is evolving into a powerful collaboration based in 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 we love and homages to life experience. I am looking for your participation. I would like this project to be inclusive: I welcome objects and stories as diverse as we are. I encourage any age group and people to participate from all over the world.

What is ephemera?  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.

Auburn Public Library and artist Tanja Hollander are photographing your objects and gathering your stories on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 2-5 pm. Tanja will give a short talk about the project at 2 pm, and at 2:30 pm she will begin to photograph your treasures. Objects will be photographed and catalogued, and the images will be included as part of The Ephemera Project. Your objects and stories will be on view on line and in multiple locations including at Maine MILL in Lewiston, ME.

To participate:

  1. Auburn Public Library is located at 49 Spring St. in Auburn, Maine, 04210.

  2. Please bring 2-4 objects, not larger than 8x10” (the size of a piece of paper) on October 12. Tanja will be on-site to work with your ephemera and will give it back to you the same day. If there is not enough time on any given day, Tanja will work with the Auburn Public Library to return it to you ASAP. Please sign up to attend by completing the registration form or by calling (207) 333-6640, ext. 4.

  3. Fill out this google form and release or in person when you drop off your items.

  4. To learn more about the project and FAQs. Questions: E-mail Tanja.