HAMILTON, ON – June 19, 2024 – Hamilton Public Library (HPL) welcomed representatives from Internet Archive, Woodland Cultural Centre and Liberian Learning Center to HPL's Central Library on Monday (Jun 17) to emphasize the importance of digitally preserving the customs, cultures, languages, stories and histories of those silenced around the world.

In an era of rampant disinformation and world conflicts aimed at eradicating generations of cultural treasures and histories, the partners spoke of the importance of preservation and contributing to the global repository of knowledge and content.

Internet Archives founder Brewster Kahle presented the non-profit digital library's vision of providing universal access to all knowledge through online access to a comprehensive global repository of books, periodicals, audio, video, archived websites and other cultural artifacts.

During a public tour of HPL's Local History and Archives, Paul Takala, HPL's Chief Librarian, stated that in the past year, HPL staff digitized more than 1,500 locally important documents and artifacts using a Scribe, which is custom-built hardware and software that works together to scan items quickly.

Woodland Cultural Centre (WCC) has also begun this important work. Its museum and library have collected and preserved 50,000 artifacts and is starting to digitize key pieces. The Centre was established in 1972 upon the closure of the Mohawk Institute Residential School under the direction of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians.

A Hamilton partner with a Liberian connection also works to do the same. "The collaboration between Internet Archives, Hamilton Public Library and Empowerment Squared in support of the Liberian Learning Center project is a testament to the transformative power of digital preservation and access," explains Leo Johnson, Chief Empowerment Officer, Empowerment Squared. "By promoting continuous learning and preserving international voices, we not only safeguard the rich cultural heritage of Liberia but also foster educational growth in post-conflict regions where important records, documents and literature are either inaccessible or under threat of being forever lost."

For example, Johnson hopes to digitally preserve a rare, significant book called The Light is Coming (translated). This small workbook is about learning to read and write the Kpelleh language, which is notable given the oral nature of Liberian society and culture where languages are predominantly spoken, not written.

These collaborative partnerships highlight the profound impact of digitizing content, ensuring that communities' stories, knowledge, and history are accessible to local communities, the greater world – and future generations.