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boston public library

The mission of the Library is focused on four core areas: reading and literacy, spaces and programs, reference and instruction, and special collections and cultural heritage. Our commitment to be ‘Free to All’ is carved into the façade of the Central Library in Copley Square, and we are proud to welcome everyone equally regardless of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, faith, or economic status.

BPL and artist Tanja Hollander are photographing your objects and gathering your stories on Tuesday, March 18th and Tuesday, March 25th from 3-5 pm. Snacks will be provided.

This is an opportunity for teens to come together and share objects that are important to us as a way to build connection. Tanja’s art practice takes these treasures and photographs them along with descriptions of each item, cataloguing the things that are important to us and creating an art collection of unique depth.   

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 to include the broken watches of deceased family members, baby teeth, moments in history, mementos from vacation or a subway ride - all simple reminders of people we love and homages to lived experiences.

The Ephemera Project is a crowd-sourced archive of personal objects and stories based in memory, self-reflection, and vulnerability. At its heart, this project encourages and celebrates making space to value and listen to each other.

Your objects and stories will be on view on line and potentially included in Tanja’s future exhibitions.

To participate:

  1. Please bring 2-4 objects, not larger than 8x10” (the size of a piece of paper) on the days below. 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 BPL to return it to you asap.

  2. Collection Stations will be located at BPL

    If you prefer to drop off, please do so anytime between now and March 25tth.

    Tanja will be onsite to meet you and work with your belongings and stories on March 18th and March 25th from 3-5 pm.

  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.

Objects collected from staff of BPL on November 2, 2023.

(Click on images to read descriptions. On mobile tap dot, bottom right corner of screen.)