The California State Library is working with local libraries to collect COVID-19 stories from across the state. Californians of all ages have responded by sending in original essays, poems, photographs, videos and works of art. The content presented on this website represents only a fraction of the hundreds that have been submitted and were selected to showcase the variety of experiences around the state.
If you have writing or a photo from your COVID-19 experience and would like to help record California’s response to this pandemic for future generations, please send it to us.
- What Will I Teach about 2020 to the Students of 2030?
When Los Altos High School announced that it would close its face-to-face instructions in March of 2020, I was unsure of what lay ahead. But as the months flew by, I came to realize what the pandemic truly meant for me. At first, I characterized the slow progression of education as a lack of functioning […] - Covid ChristeningThis year 2020 has been definitely dangerous because of the Corona Virus. Many people have died. Many people have lost family members without being able to say good bye with dignity. In the news there is nothing but sadness, sick people fighting for their lives. Doctors and nurses are working in extreme situations, they look […]
- Life Amid COVID19
My life has changed. I unfortunately get up later because I’ve been up late the night before: 2 AM, 3 AM, 4 AM. Of course I did fall asleep during whatever TV program I was watching so I guess the “nap” counts as sleep. I am no longer allowed to go to the exercise room […] - Everyone, put your masks on after this shot!
Not disrespectful. I was barking at the boys “ everyone, put your masks back on after this shot!” Submitted by Rosemarie Maghari, Contra Costa County – El Sobrante. - COVID DaysMy family used to wake up early every day except weekends. Before the pandemic, we would start the day with breakfast together around the table. But now I wake up early while my family sleeps more. Before staying at home, I used to go outside and walk about two hours and some days I would […]
- The silver lining
The silver lining of this pandemic is the precious time I spent with my kids and nephews who would otherwise be burried in school work, afterschool activities and other school related stuff. I will treasure this time together forever. Submitted by Rosemarie Maghari, Contra Costa County – El Sobrante. - Why Are You On the Floor & Other COVID ExperiencesAn actual conversation I had with an acquaintance/colleague (AC) shortly after I tested positive for COVID Me: So, AC, what are you doing for Thanksgiving? Anything on Zoom? Acquaintance/colleague (AC): I’m tired of Zoom! COVID’s not going to keep me from seeing my son and his girlfriend. Me: Everyone has to make their own choice. […]
- Book Of Days: A Covid Chronicle
Sheltering in place is at once completely new and boring, nerve wracking and peaceful, isolating while creating new ways to connect. It can numb the spirit or spark the imagination. As I give thanks for good health and good fortune, I cook and bake and bake some more- for the structure, for the warmth that […] - Trash
I lived on a mountain so Covid didnt affect me that much. I had more important things to worry about at the time, like food and water. I had a fever of 102 for a couple of days but i wasnt worried about it. It all puts love into perspective though. Love isnt “I need […] - Covid poemCovidGerms Planetsduplicating spreading flyinggrossed-out run away destroyCovid Submitted by Landon Crowl, Butte County – Chico.
- 8 MonthsMy daughter turned ten the day the schools closed. She was happy at first. She got the day off school. Now it’s been 8 months since she’s seen most of her friends, and it’s not so fun anymore. She pretty much lives in bed now. It’s not a good lifestyle for a ten-year-old. It’s caused […]
- The Dying Californian
Since the pandemic, I transitioned to a more simple life, embraced social distancing and, thankfully, continued to work for the public library full-time. Creative endeavors changed since I took the rest of the year off from playing live music. I found a collection of California Folk songs to learn and started a new project that […]
Please note, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors of each work and do not necessarily represent those of the California State Library or its staff.