2019 is a celebratory year for the state of Alabama and its citizens. It is the state’s bicentennial, but it is also the City of Russellville’s bicentennial. To help celebrate, the Russellville Public Library is teaming up with the Franklin County Archives to put together a special project and presentation.

From Jan. 1 through March 14, RPL will be accepting submissions of items to go into a time capsule that will be buried and one day dug up by those who wish to reminisce and recognize the past.

“We want to get people involved and celebrate this bicentennial,” library director Ashley Cummins said.

Instead of bringing valuable items to the library, Cummins is asking people to submit photo and written requests of their submissions of timely, historical items. Priority will be given to smaller items because the capsule won’t be very large. Items relative to the area and the current time period are encouraged and will be given priority to – even photographs.

“I think it’s a great way for the community to get excited about the future and our past as well,” Cummins said.

The library will be accepting submission of items like photographs, videos saved on flash drives, menus, ticket stubs and newspaper articles. Cummins said they would also like to have some letters written to future generations of Russellville citizens. Once the letters are selected, they will choose at least one letter to be read at the sealing ceremony.

There is no official date or time set yet for the final celebration when the capsule will be sealed.