Photographs serve as both mementos and storytellers of the history of a community.
West Vancouver Memorial Library is inviting community members to share digital images of the people, places, and moments that have shaped the community from 1950 to today as a part of celebrating its diamond anniversary.
As it reaches its 75th year, the library is looking for photo submissions that capture the heart of West Vancouver, from the iconic to the everyday.
Taren Urquhart, arts & special events programmer at West Vancouver Memorial Library, said she is really looking forward to seeing photos from people of all different ages, backgrounds, and experiences.
“When you look at that image, you know it’s West Vancouver,” she said of what she’d like to see submitted. “It should be a part of a larger landscape that reflects how diverse and changing the community has been over the past 75 years.
Some examples could be local scenery, images featuring iconic landmarks like Horseshoe Bay and Dundarave Village, outdoor events like a sunny concert at Ambleside Park or a group ski trip on Cypress Mountain during fresh snowfall, school performances, community festivals, cherished local businesses or a weekend hike at Capilano Dam, Urquhart said.
Clarifying that she is not looking for portraits, Urquhart said she is looking for community spirit captured in a click.
“If there are people in the photos, I am looking for group activities, and that shared experience,” she said, adding that “there are no wrong submissions.”
Submissions will be reviewed by a team made of numerous library staff.
“We will take almost anything, but need it in a digital document format,” she said.
For photos that exist only as slides, prints, or negatives, the library has free tools to help scan and share the images.
“Amongst the higher resolution images submitted, some favourites will be selected by the library staff, and they will be printed and framed for an exhibit within the library’s gallery space later this fall,” Urquhart said.
During the exhibit, visitors will be able to vote on their favourite image, and the photo with the most votes in each category will be awarded a $100 Park Royal gift card.
Submissions can be made on or before July 31, 2025. Visit the library website for full submission details.
Shobana Shanmugasamy is a student intern reporting for the North Shore News. She can be reached at [email protected].
