On more than one occasion, I have been asked what one item I would put in a time capsule if I ever were given the chance. My response to this question has always been the same: I would put the program of my high school graduation. Why? This ceremony helped propel me into adulthood (or at least young adult-hood).

Of course, I never dreamed that I may actually get a real chance at putting something in a time capsule that will be stored until the year 2036. But, this is just the case. Fayetteville and the surrounding Sandhills area residents have the opportunity to have one thing dear to their heart, that represents the City of Fayetteville, stored in a real-life time capsule!

In honor of the 25th Anniversary of Headquarters Library, the public is invited to submit objects, photographs, written or illustrated works or other items to be included in a time capsule that will be opened on the date of the library’s 50th Anniversary in 2036. Submissions will be judged.

Each submission needs to refl ect what life is like today for Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the public library. All submissions become property of Headquarters Library and will be judged by library staff. To be considered, submissions must be delivered to any library location by 5 p.m. on June 30.

The library is thrilled to celebrate such an important anniversary and encourages the public to participate. However, there are guidelines for all submissions. Submissions are to be nonperishable items, no food items of any kind; no weapons; all photographs or other written or illustrated submissions must include the date of creation and must include identifi cation of all people, objects, area landmarks or buildings depicted; all submitted items must be no larger than 12 inches long by 12 inches wide by 6 inches deep; and only one submission is allowed per person.

Headquarters Library Services Manager Jane Casto explained that “all submissions will be judged based on how well they refl ect an aspect of the common experience of the citizens of Cumberland County in 2011.”

Some great items to submit are “memorabilia of festivals, concert programs from the Community Concert Series, memorabilia from BRAC activities, activities on Fort Bragg, and of course, all events that tell a story about Cumberland County.”

The time capsule will be stored in the Archive Room at Headquarters Library and will be marked with the 25th Anniversary date. In August, the library will highlight a few submissions before sealing the time capsule. This will give residents an opportunity to see some of the submissions selected to go inside. The community is urged to participate. This is a great opportunity to get children involved in history; and most importantly, involved in the history they are playing a part in shaping.

Unfortunately, I don’t think my high school graduation program will make it into the time capsule. But I’m sure residents have other items that will. Submit them! Imagine the year 2036 fi nally arriving and seeing that same item revealed at the library’s 50th Anniversary.

Not only is the library creating a time capsule by which to remember Fayetteville, they are also seeking to improve its services to residents. Some of their five year goals are: Explore and Know Our Community, Make Career Choices, Visit a Comfortable Place, Make Informed Decisions, Stimulate and Express Imagination. All of these programs and growing efforts make Fayetteville and Cumberland County more valuable.

For more information contact Casto at 483-1580.

Photo: Headquarters Library is collecting items to put into a time capsule which will be opened in 2036.