Burbank Public Library Invites Community to Help Create the 2026 Time Capsule

Burbank, CA (August 13, 2026) - What best represents life in Burbank today? Burbank Public Library is asking the community to help answer that question by suggesting items for a new 2026 Time Capsule that will preserve a snapshot of the city's history for future generations.

From now through September 25, community members are invited to submit ideas for objects, mementos, and keepsakes that capture life in Burbank in 2026. Suggested items should be small enough to fit inside the time capsule (approximately 8 inches wide by 10 inches long by 8 inches tall) and made of non-perishable, non-biodegradable materials so they can be preserved for decades. To submit an idea for the 2026 Time Capsule, visit https://www.burbanklibrary.org/timecapsule.

The project continues a tradition that began in 1976, when the Burbank Bicentennial Committee constructed a monument designed to hold four time capsules, one to be added every 25 years between 1976 and 2076. The first capsule was filled with items representing life in Burbank during the nation's Bicentennial year.

In 2001, the 1976 time capsule was opened, its contents were displayed to the public, and the capsule was resealed. However, for reasons unknown, a new time capsule was never created that year. When Burbank Public Library staff recently opened the compartment intended for the 2001 capsule, they discovered it was empty. The remaining compartments designated for 2051 and 2076 were also empty, as expected.

"Time capsules tell the story of a community through the everyday objects that future generations may find extraordinary," said Eric Lashley, Library Services Director. "This is an opportunity for the people of Burbank to help decide how our community will be remembered 50 years from now."

Following the public submission period, suggestions will be reviewed and select items will be included in the capsule. Later this year, the community will be invited to a special open house at Burbank Central Library, featuring the contents of the original 1976 Time Capsule alongside the items selected for the 2026 Time Capsule before they are sealed away.

Both the restored 1976 Time Capsule and the newly created 2026 Time Capsule will become part of the future Burbank Central Library and Public Plaza. Until construction is complete, the capsules will remain sealed and secured at Burbank Central Library.

To learn more about the Burbank Central Library and Public Plaza project, visit https://www.newburbanklibrary.com.

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