SPRINGDALE, usa
100CAMERAS X SPRINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
100cameras X Springdale Public Library is a part of a 8 class course that is custom designed by 100cameras to equip passionate creatives with the tools to empower youth in a community they care about with the opportunity to learn how to process their stories and create change. Pictured here are 100cameras students during the course.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
100cameras X Springdale Public Library took place in Springdale, Arkansas, in partnership with the Springdale Public Library. Known for its innovative resources, the Library offers books, audiovisual materials, online research tools, and computers, supporting a wide range of educational and recreational programming. With over 1,500 visitors daily, it serves as a vital space for community learning and connection.
Designed to help youth process and express their emotions through photography, the Emotions Snapshots program (a localized name for the 100cameras program) engaged children and youth in grades 4 through 7. Through creative activities, the program fostered personal reflection, self-expression, and emotional growth, building confidence, empathy, and a sense of community as participants learned to tell their stories visually.
“I watched them grow more confident as they saw their stories sparking conversation, inspiring empathy, and receiving genuine appreciation from others. It was a turning point where they began to see that their voices—and their stories—truly mattered.”
The Emotions Snapshots program encouraged students to explore photography as a tool for emotional intelligence and storytelling. Over six sessions, participants had the opportunity to document their own lives, reflect on their experiences, and communicate their feelings in a safe, creative environment.
"Throughout the Emotions Snapshots program, I’ve seen remarkable growth in every student, particularly in their confidence, self-expression, and understanding of photography techniques….Their ability to articulate both the technical aspects and emotional depth of their work was inspiring, showing just how much they had embraced the learning process and extended beyond their comfort zones," said Elizabeth Hurtado, the librarian and program leader. The program helped students build both artistic skills and confidence.
“One of the most powerful moments I observed was during a group discussion where students shared the stories behind their photographs. Initially, many were hesitant, unsure if their perspectives mattered or if others would relate. But as each student took a turn explaining their photo, the group became more engaged, and it was clear they were listening closely to each other’s experiences. This exchange helped them realize that their unique perspectives had value and resonated with their peers. ”
Parents have also shared positive feedback, as featured in the local newspaper, The Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. For example, Megan McCall discussed how her 10-year-old daughter, Emma Kate, used the Emotions Snapshots prompts to reflect on the meaning of "friend" during a Photo Adventure Walk activity, part of the program's curriculum. Emma Kate captured a moment with a woman and her dog. "It was really, really cool to see the way she's looking at things through her pictures, how she's [interpreting] those prompts and what they mean to her," Megan said. "She really got that friends come in all shapes and sizes."
MEET THE STUDENTS
The participants in the Emotions Snapshots program are a group of enthusiastic, creative young artists from diverse backgrounds. They quickly connected with the material and each other, using photography to explore and express their emotions. As they gained confidence, they began to realize that their voices and stories truly mattered.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM LEADER
Elizabeth Hurtado is the Children's Librarian at Springdale Public Library, with a background in social communication and library science. Having worked at the library for five years, Elizabeth is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to express themselves and engage with the library’s resources in meaningful ways. Her commitment to fostering a sense of community and emotional well-being in the library's programs has made Emotions Snapshots (the 100cameras program) a truly special experience for all involved. “‘I feel like the main purpose for the program is to teach them how to manage their feelings,’ said Hurtado, but she hopes the students come away with understanding ‘that the library is a place for everyone, but for them, it's a safe place,’” Elizabeth expressed during the feature article written by The Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
STUDENT IMAGE GALLERY
Support for Springdale Public Library is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Follow us on social media to see images from the field as captured by the 100cameras X Springdale Public Library team and the student photographers.