Vancouver Public Library wants your photos — and memories — of Expo 86

Thirty years ago, Expo 86 opened its gates on the shores of Vancouver's False Creek.

Now, the Vancouver Public Library is creating a digital archive to celebrate that anniversary — and they're looking for your help to do it.

Christina de Castell, VPL's director of collections and technology, said the project is part of the library's ongoing efforts to document local history.

"We hope that this will spark people's memories and help them to reflect on the pivotal role that Expo 86 had in shaping Vancouver's stories," de Castell told On the Coast host Michelle Elliot.

Library wants photos and audio

VPL is asking anyone with photos of Expo 86 to submit them for inclusion in the archive. De Castell said library staff can help with the digitization of physical photographs at the library's central downtown branch.

The library will also be holding sessions at the central branch's Digital Inspiration Lab to make audio recordings of personal stories from the time. The first session will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. PT, with several more scheduled in the coming weeks.

"I hope that we'll see some very personal [photos and stories] that are associated with meaningful moments in people's lives, along with some of those big events and big moments that everyone remembers," de Castell said.

Further information about how to submit your own photos and stories can be found on the library's website. Collection will continue until mid May, when the final archive will be displayed.

With files from CBC's On the Coast.