Life in Quarantine has been.....different. We've never lived this way before. Stores are shuttered. We grocery shop as infrequently as possible. We wear masks, many of which were made by an army of everyday people who pulled out their sewing machines and created for the common good. All learning has moved online. Non-essential workers office from home. Parents have become home schoolers and families are learning how to live under one roof in the same space 24 hours a day.
I expect everyone has something to say about this experience. Whether it's your observations on how life has changed, your opinions on the shut down and how it's being handled, or your personal moments of joy or suffering as we muddle through - you all have a voice that deserves to be heard.
The Library of Michigan in conjunction with the Historical Society of Michigan have created a project called Covid-19: Share Your Story. They are collecting local Michigander experiences from these unprecedented times and asking for volunteers to contribute. They even put together a great list of ideas to inspire your writing - you will find them on the Covid-19: Share Your Story page. Take a moment to record some of your thoughts and submit them.
If you are looking for things for your kiddos to do, or even for a family project, this would make a great assignment for children of all ages. Even the youngest can dictate their thoughts to an older sibling who can type or write them up. And you can easily get grandparents involved by asking them about their experiences in your next phone call.
Someday, someone is going to read your words and understand a little bit about what it was like to live through a global pandemic from a mid-Michigander's perspective because you took the time to write them down.
To submit your written thoughts and experiences, please fill out the form. Entries may be submitted anonymously by putting the word "Anonymous" in the Name field on the form. Email Library of Michigan staff at Librarian@Michigan.gov if you have any questions or problems sending submissions.
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