BETHLEHEM — Our community is experiencing a historic moment of the 21st century.
Although many may be eager to put the coronavirus pandemic behind us, we have a unique opportunity to share recent memories, express our voices and listen to one another. It won’t be long before a new generation will ask, “What was living through the pandemic like?”
Bethlehem Public Library is collecting recent memories of life during quarantine. Community members are encouraged to submit their thoughts, along with images, video or audio clips, including interviews with others.
We are looking for personal experiences and any details that are meaningful, even if it’s just one incident. (“Everything still seemed normal to me until I went down the paper goods aisle in the grocery store, and all the shelves were empty.”) Our focus is not on the global situation but on ordinary life so that we can create a regional archive of experiences.
Narratives and images may be e-mailed to [email protected]. Those submitting their memories and any attachments grant unrestricted use to Bethlehem Public Library. Contact information will not be made public. Submissions can also be made through the library’s website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/quarantine-memories-archive.
Bethlehem Public Library is located at 451 Delaware Avenue in Delmar. Call (518) 439-9314 or visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for more information. The library is temporarily closed to the public, but curbside pickup is available Monday-Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m.