The Future Library
Summary
Journalist Bernadette Fallon explores the Future Library in Oslo, a project initiated by artist Katie Patterson in 2004. It features a "Silent Room" containing 100 sealed glass drawers where invited authors, starting with Margaret Atwood, deposit manuscripts that remain unread until 2114. The project uses sustainably managed forests to supply paper for the eventual publication, raising questions about climate change, language survival, and the act of radical hope for future generations.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the Future Library project
Description of the Silent Room and glass drawers
The process of manuscript handover in the forest
How authors are invited and the secrecy of works
Secrecy of Margaret Atwood's contribution
Discussion on invited authors and Laurie Anderson
Flexibility of the author selection list
Total number of manuscripts and project timeline
Physical security and lighting of the drawers
Funding by the City of Oslo and artist's vision
Climate change and language survival concerns
Legacy, future generations, and radical hope
Sustainable management of the forest for paper
Visiting the forest and the act of faith
Closing remarks and show sign-off
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