As we step into a new year, many of us think about the future. But have you ever wondered what kind of gift we can leave behind for people who will live 100 years from now? In Norway, a fascinating project called the Future Library is doing just that, and it’s one of the most imaginative ideas ever created.
What is the Future Library?
The Future Library, or Framtidsbiblioteket in Norwegian, is an art project that began in 2014, created by Scottish artist Katie Paterson. This project will last an entire century! Each year, a famous author is invited to write a special story or book. But here’s the catch: these stories will remain a secret, locked away, until the year 2114. That means no one alive today will ever read them!
These precious manuscripts are stored in a specially designed, secure room inside the new public library in Oslo, Norway. The room is like a time capsule for books, waiting for the future to arrive.
The Forest of the Future
To make the project even more extraordinary, a forest of 1,000 trees was planted near Oslo in 2014. These trees will grow for 100 years, and in 2114, they will be used to make the paper needed to print the secret books. This forest is not just beautiful—it’s a symbol of sustainability and hope for the planet.
Famous Contributors
So far, several well-known authors have written for the Future Library. Margaret Atwood, the author of The Handmaid’s Tale, wrote the very first story in 2014, titled Scribbler Moon. Another famous author, David Mitchell, contributed a piece called From Me Flows What You Call Time in 2015. Each year, another writer adds to the collection, building a library that will one day amaze people in the 22nd century.
Why is it Special?
The Future Library isn’t just about books. It’s a project that makes us think about our relationship with time, creativity, and trust. It reminds us to care for the environment and to believe that the future will value the things we create today. By planting trees and stories, this project connects nature and art in a way that will inspire generations to come.
A New Year’s Thought
As we welcome the new year, the Future Library gives us a chance to think about how the choices we make now can shape the world for those who come after us. What would you create or leave behind for the future? Maybe it’s a story, a piece of art, or even an idea that could grow into something amazing—just like the Future Library.
Who knows? In 2114, someone may be reading this article and thinking about what they can do for the year 2214!
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