The Voice photo by C. Colt Crane
Pictured are some of the displays included in the Smithsonian exhibit currently featured at the Burley Public Library.
By C. COLT CRANE
The Voice
BURLEY – The Smithsonian Institute has visited the Burley Public Library with an exhibition titled “The Way We Worked”. The exhibit celebrates the many different aspects of the workforce from days gone by to modern methods.
“The history is the greatest part,” said Julie Woodford of the BPL, “It helps tell who we are.”
Stepping into the exhibition feels as if a door has been opened into the past. The main floor of the library holds large installations that celebrate the American way of life. The exhibit also pays homage to local endeavors and the workforce of the surrounding communities.
“We are a community of workers,” said Woodford, “We are a dedicated people. I think we are an area that works hard and I hope people will have a conversation about their work. It helps us explore our motivations to work. Where we work, why we work and how we work.”
The exhibit was installed February 4 and will be on display until March 17. The exhibit offers participants a window into the past as well as an insight into our modern ways of life. The exhibition is a celebration of our American work ethic and the motivations that form the foundations for our pursuit of happiness and prosperity.
“It [the exhibition] sparks a lot of conversation on our work methods,” said Valerie Bame, the Children’s Librarian and Program Coordinator/Chairman for the Smithsonian Exhibit.
The Burley Public Library is one of six sites in Idaho that was chosen for the exhibit to be displayed. The BPL had to submit an application to the Idaho Humanities Council as well as a detailed outline specifying the programs and events that the community would put on as a companion piece to the Smithsonian exhibit.
One of the companion pieces to the installation was a photo contest that the BPL sponsored. Over 100 photos were submitted to the library which will be collected into a book to celebrate the many form of work throughout the community.
According to Bame, the idea behind the contest was to bring “focus on our community’s work ethic”
“I really became engaged with the photo contest,” Bame continued, “I was captivated by the many fascinating images of work.”
The contest winners were Ashley Hunt-Winn for first place, Lebbie Martin for second place, and Paul Mellette for third place.
The winners each received a cash prize for their winning photographs.
Also on display at the library and in conjunction with the Smithsonian installation is a collection of old photos lining the walls in the children’s reading room. The photos were enlarged and restored by Joe Larsen for the exhibit.
“He went to a great deal of effort in preserving and restoring these pictures,” said Bame.
The exhibit is free to the public and will include almost daily presentations for patrons to participate in.
For more information, visit the Burley Public Library or contact library staff at 208-878-7708.
