San Marco Library is concluding its anniversary celebrations by preserving mementos from its last 75 years in a time capsule.
The library is asking the community to contribute to the time capsule, including letters, photos and other trinkets. These items can be dropped off at the library any time before the sealing ceremony later this month.
Community members will have one last chance to submit items the day of the event, posing for last-minute photos in a photo booth, writing letters on old library due date cards, or signing a poster that will be hung over the sealed time capsule, along with a proclamation from Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.
“This is really a celebration of that 75-year period of the continuous running of the San Marco branch,” said Library Supervisor Ryan Merkel.
The San Marco Library building was constructed in 1950 and has been serving its community continuously ever since. The time capsule will honor and preserve its history. Items collected thus far include a letter from a librarian who worked at the library in the 1950s, library cards from the 1960s, and old event programs from past decades.
According to Merkel, the capsule is roughly the size of two shoeboxes and will be locked and on display in the library until it is reopened in 2050 for the 100th anniversary. Those who cannot attend the Nov. 15 event are still welcome to stop by any time before then and submit items.
Immediately before the time capsule sealing event, the library will also host a history chat with E. Zimmermann “Zim” Boulos, during which he will discuss the history of various outdoor sculptures in San Marco, from the Three Lions in San Marco Square to “Transform,” the newly installed butterfly sculpture in Landon Park.
Representatives from MOSH and the San Marco Merchants Association will also attend the festivities. A table featuring rare archival materials will also be on display, along with activities for children.
Boulos’ history chat and the time capsule sealing ceremony will take place at the San Marco Library on Saturday, Nov. 15.
