Coronavirus: Watertown Library Collecting Resident Experiences

WATERTOWN, MA — Watertown Free Public Library is trying to create a reserve of documents detailing the impact of the new coronavirus on the town, but it needs residents help. The library is asking residents to contribute to its new “COVID-19 Collective Memory Initiative.”

Preserving local history is a core and vital function of libraries and Watertown library wants to collect and save the experiences, thoughts and writings of Watertown residents during this historic time.

The goal of the initiative is to provide future generations with primary source materials to understand this moment in Watertown history, while strengthening the town’s solidarity in the present.

In the coming weeks, WFPL will offer a series of programs to encourage storytelling and writing about life during the pandemic. Here's how you can get involved:

Write Your History: Coronavirus Diaries Writing Program [For Adults]
When: Mondays 5/11 – 6/29 alternating 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. via Zoom
A weekly series of virtual writing workshops will help residents record their experiences of this time in diary or journal form. Workshops will provide a safe space for participants to start a journal, or workshop material already in progress. No writing experience necessary! WFPL will collect these accounts and maintain them as part of the Local History Collection. For more information, visit: watertownlib.org/diaries

Speak Your Truth: Watertown Coronavirus StoryCorps Project [For All Ages]
StoryCorps, as featured on NPR and supported by the Library of Congress, is the leading open source archive for Oral History testimonials. The Watertown Free Public Library will be conducting interviews of Watertown residents (via Zoom) about their COVID-19 pandemic experiences to create a StoryCorps Oral History collection. Request an interview online.

My True Story: Writing Contest for Teens [Grades 6-12]
WFPL is hosting a writing competition for teens that live or go to school in Watertown. Finalists in both middle and high school categories will win Amazon gift cards and all submissions will be made part of WFPL’s local history collection. Learn more online.