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.
- Human Complexity
A abstract drawing of a human figure in black & white. - Shelter-In-Place: 2020 Pandemic Diary
Sweet are the uses of adversity,Which like the toad, ugly and venomous,Wears yet a precious jewel in his head;And this our life, exempt from public haunt,Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,Sermons in stones, and good in everything.-William Shakespeare For more information, read the full Shelter-In-Place: 2020 Pandemic Diary Submitted by Liat Goldman […] - No Mask, No Entrance.
Shopping has changed for everyone. Submitted by Anonymous, Sacramento County – Sacramento. - Masked San Francisco
Covid 19 has affected me profoundly. I live alone and am a senior. I feel more isolated and miss companionship, hugs, conversations, having friends over, and going out to hear music. I miss my mother and family especially being to be able to meet and hold my two new grand nephews who were born within […] - Social Distancing
I come from a long line of family artists. My art allows me to interpret life utilizing my creativity and talent. Like many during this COVID19 pandemic, I have turned to art to help adapt, release, and express emotions. I woke up from a dream and drew this in the early morning hours one day […] - COVID Coloring Book
I’m a Ukiah coloring book artist. During my furlough I drew 4 images to color based on new normal words for our new realities. I would like to share my images. Submitted by Maureen Brown, Mendocino County – Ukiah. - COVID Couplets
I have been very much affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The start of the pandemic was very frightening for me. I’m still in shock and have not yet completely processed the whole matter. But I discovered that writing poetry has had such a healing effect on me during the most challenging time of my life. […] - Juncoland
I have a tiny yard. It’s so tiny and dull that even racoons aren’t interested in visiting it. The only plant, which helps liven up my yard, is the English Ivy pot hanging on the wall. I didn’t pay much attention to my yard until the Coronavirus loomed large in March this year. March 16, […] - Variation on The Haiku Format #5ICE cagingUterus collectingThe US Freedom Museum Submitted by Michelle Leclaire ONeill, Los Angeles County – Pacific Palisades.
- People who are in close contact can be risk to infect peopleSubmitted by Johanna Fassler, Placer County – Roseville
- Diary of a World Pandemic Part II & Part III
WEEK 8DAY 50SUNDAY, MAY 3OMG! Have we really been in isolation for 50 days? It seems incomprehensible. . .but it’s true. Count them. . .50!As I look at the evolution of information, ideas, and emotions during this time—the highs and lows of it all, I feel proud of Gary and me. We have always loved […] - Covid-19 WhirlwindI don’t think life after covid-19 will ever be the same; not really. It will be just like a mirror that has been shattered, and glued again, only to leave the slight marks and chips as evidence that its shattering occurred in the first place. I believe, when we return to full normalcy, we will […]
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.