In the short animation ‘Borrowed Time’, Scriberia’s talented design team delivers a heartfelt plea against the relentless tide of UK library closures. This docu-style film blends art with activism, brought to life by the meticulous craftsmanship of Ivyy Chen, Hannah McNally, Amy Wolfe, Marguerite Dumans, Conor Kehelly, Jodi Lai, David Rock, and Amy Wolfe.
The animation’s charm lies in its hand-drawn imagery – a dedication and passion of its creators. Voices of library-users echo through the narrative, sharing their poignant reflections on what libraries represent: more than just repositories of books, they are sanctuaries, learning hubs, and community anchors. The film gracefully captures the sorrow and frustration of communities watching these cherished spaces vanish due to government cuts.
‘Borrowed Time’ showcases how libraries are a vital hub across multiple generations. From the wistful nostalgia of the elderly to the untainted curiosity of the young, the film paints a vivid picture of the cross-generational impact of library closures. It’s essentially a harmonious yet urgent call to action.
The team’s orchestration of this narrative is beautiful. Each segment is crafted with love, care, and acute attention to detail, making the film both a visual and emotional striking. The result is a short, sweet, and powerful film that stays with you.
‘Borrowed Time’ is an illustrated reminder of what we stand to lose. It’s a clarion call to protect our libraries, those invaluable havens of knowledge and community. In a time of increasing disconnection, the short is a timely and poignant reminder of what truly matters in communities.
