[Kairios Library]
In a bid to preserve its cultural memory, the Kairios Library on the island of Andros has launched an initiative to build a digital photographic archive of local life. The project invites residents to contribute family and professional photographs, which are scanned and returned.
“The creation of the archive will not only safeguard family histories but also shed light on everyday life, professions, traditions, and customs,” said Amalia Tiniakou, head of the archive at the library.
The effort, supported by the Ministry of Culture under the 2025 Modern Cultural Heritage Program, partners with cultural associations and local groups. The archive aims to grow continually, expanding the library’s website and offering exhibitions, workshops, and even photography competitions.
Already, images spanning from the 19th century to the postwar years reveal weddings, festivals, classrooms, and maritime life.
For many Andrians, recognizing familiar faces and scenes creates bonds across generations and villages – a dialogue between memory and the present.