An Ode to Books We’ll Probably Never See: The Future Library Project
This might be one of the coolest bookish things I’ve discovered in a long time (thanks to this TikTok, which then took me down a literary rabbit hole). In an ever-evolving digital age, where information is at our fingertips and books are readily available in the digital and audiobook formats, it's easy to speculate about the fate of traditional libraries, bookstores, and physical books in general. However, Norway has taken a bold step with a pretty awe-inspiring project, which not only preserves the spirit of libraries, but also embraces the future. Allow me to introduce you to the Future Library project, a visionary endeavor to preserve the written word. The project was started in 2014 by Scottish artist Katie Paterson and was commissioned by Bjørvika Utvikling. It’s an ambitious long-term art project situated in the heart of Oslo, Norway. And by long-term, I mean, 100 years. The goal is to compile an anthology of books, written by some of the world's most distinguished authors, over the span of 100 years. That alone is incredible, but that’s not even the coolest part!
A Forest of Words
The central premise of the Future Library project revolves around planting 1,000 trees in the Nordmarka forest just outside Oslo. These trees will grow undisturbed for a century, forming a ‘living library’. Each year, one acclaimed writer is invited by Paterson to contribute a manuscript, which will remain unread and unpublished until the year 2114. WHAT?! The secrecy surrounding the manuscripts is an integral part of the project. The authors submit their work in sealed boxes, stored in a specially designed room within the Deichman Library in Oslo. Only the author knows the content of their manuscript, building a sense of anticipation and intrigue for future generations who will be the first to experience these literary treasures. I’m not going to lie, I’m completely jealous of these future readers. Authors who have contributed to the project include Margaret Atwood, Ocean Vuong, and Judith Schalansky.
A Gift to Future Readers
The Future Library project is an extraordinary gift from the present to the future. It challenges our contemporary notions of time and invites us to consider the legacy we leave behind. The authors, as well as the readers of the future, get to be part of a dialogue that transcends generations. These kinds of projects always hit me in the feels. Beyond its literary significance, the Future Library project carries a lot of symbolism. The act of planting trees represents growth, renewal, and the passage of time. It also serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. The growing forest itself becomes a living monument, intertwined with the stories and words contained within its depths. The people of Oslo, and visitors from around the world, have the opportunity to engage with the project through events, discussions, and the planting of trees. Ultimately, this long term art installation (for what are books, but art?) stands as a testament to the enduring power of books, the beauty of nature, and the timeless pursuit of knowledge. And it’s a glimpse into a future where, hopefully, the act of reading and writing remains a cherished endeavor.
I’m a little heartbroken I most likely won’t be around to see any of these books be printed, but I absolutely love this soulful project, and this has definitely been added to my bucket list of places to visit!