The Our Stories Project is a new initiative from the Carleton Place Public Library that brings local teens and seniors together through storytelling and film-making. Through this mini-documentary contest, teen participants will work with older adults in the community to preserve personal histories, build inter-generational connections, and celebrate the voices and experiences of Carleton Place residents. Project manager for the Library, Julia Hawkins explains.
Teams of one to four teens will be paired with a local senior to create a short film sharing that senior’s story. Each documentary can explore life experiences, important memories, lessons learned, or any story the team feels is meaningful and worth telling. Participants will have the chance to showcase their creativity while competing for prizes and helping preserve the voices and experiences of Carleton Place residents. Hawkins says there will be plenty of expert help along this journey.
The project opens with an information session on Wednesday, May 13th from 6-7 pm at the Library with plans to start shooting at the end of the school year for completion by the end of August. Senior registration is open now through email to jhawkins@carletonplace.ca. Teen registration will be open from May 13th to the 30th. Hawkins says there’s value for both teens and seniors for their participation.
If an interested teen doesn’t have a team already, the library will help them connect with one. Find out more at carletonplacelibrary.ca/the-our-stories-project. There will be prizes and an awards event planned for the fall.
Story by Brian Turner
