Time capsule captures Queens for future students

Astoria middle schoolers helped celebrate the Queens Public LIbrary’s 125th anniversary by including their predictions for 2046 in a time capsule. Photo courtesy of QPL

By Rachel Vick

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Queens Public Library, library staff and local students buried a time capsule with projections for the future on Monday.

Queens residents 25 years from now will find the contents of the capsule, buried outside Astoria Branch with help from fifth grade students from P.S. 171. Buried inside are letters from the students, whose projections for the coming decades were shaped by an intense year. 

Principal Lisa Stone, an Astoria resident, said that including the school in the project meant  “so much not just to [me] but to the students of 171.”

“It has been a unique year for them and they have come through with flying colors, and they were so eager to be here to participate,” she added. 

Salutatorians Tasniha Islam and Willian Lema read their letters for the capsule, capturing student life and current events during the pandemic — which likely influenced several hopeful predictions for doctors of the future to have the ability to cure all diseases.

“I wasn’t scared, just worried about what would happen,” Islam said, before diving into a vision for the future of a world in crisis.

She predicted that by 2046 the world would be negatively impacted by climate change, accompanied by space discovery and the colonization of Mars, and alternative communities as humans adapt to survive an increasingly inhospitable environment.

William said “life will be great.” He also hoped for medical advancements but expected a more positive future characterized by technological improvement; complete with electric flying cars and an abundance of helpful robots.

Borough President Donovan Richards and former QPL employee Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer each read a letter from students unable to attend the ceremony, imagining a reality where they can be successful enough to repay the support they have received from their parents.

“Those are special students,” Walcott said. “I love what you had to say. You guys represent the greatness of leadership that we have to look forward to no matter what our ages will be in 25 years.”

The capsule included 125th anniversary merchandise and letters from other students and library staff. The spot of the burial will be marked with a plaque, though the capsule will be re-buried somewhere else for the long term.