Libraries' photo hunt poignant reminder to cherish heritage

The call to provide images of the recent past of the city comes at a time when residents are still reeling from the effects of the 4 September earthquake in which many heritage buildings were affected, says Manager Libraries and Information, Carolyn Robertson.

“The Christchurch City Libraries, now more than ever, keenly feels its role as a resource centre of historical and genealogical information for residents and, in view of recent happenings, the Photo Hunt does take on an additional perspective to our job as a collector of information,” says Mrs Robertson.
While the Photo Hunt is a creative and fun way to celebrate Christchurch’s heritage of the recent past, it is also a gentle reminder that things cannot always stay the same, she says.

The theme of this year's competition is the same as the Beca Heritage Week celebrations: On the Horizon – rediscover the settlement of our city.

The 2010 Hunt is looking for images that have captured the growth and development of Canterbury in the recent past under the following strands:

Strand One – Places and Buildings, Suburbs and City
Strand Two – people and families, Cultural and Social Events

Without any particular emphasis on an era, the Hunt is seeking images that depict any facet of Christchurch’s growth/development/social life/events in the past 50 years or so.

Canterbury residents are encouraged to send in personal/family images in their collection on what makes their homes and communities special, and the places that have shaped their lives.

They can send in images they have of any place in their community including family homes, historic buildings, tourist attractions, local cafes, milk bars, cinemas, pubs, parks, beaches, playgrounds, schools, shops and gardens.

Images will be carefully scanned and copied for display, both physically at the Central library and online at Flickr, the photo-sharing website.

The collection will be promoted on the CCL website and through CCL’s e-news facilities.
Staff will take the utmost care in looking after the images with the understanding that these images make up part of someone’s personal heritage as well as the heritage of the city and the region.

The competition, which has some great prizes, opens today (Monday 4 October 2010). It will close Thursday 28 October 2010. Winner will be announced 10 November 2010 on CCL website. Enter at any Christchurch City library or see christchurchcitylibraries.com for further details.