The La Crosse Public Library Archives & Local History Department’s (LPLA) collections strive to be a reflection of the La Crosse community that it serves. To accomplish that, LPLA actively collects papers, records, photographs, and materials from local community members to document the history of La Crosse. This means that LPLA collects aged materials, but we also work to collect in response to current events, people, and agencies to document today’s world for future generations.
The ongoing public health crisis due to the spread of COVID-19 impacts La Crossians as much as the rest of the world. To document this tumultuous time, LPLA is asking for you to share your stories and add your voice to our historical record.
How has your family and work life changed? What precautions are you taking or not taking? How are you coping? Consider this a journal entry. We invite you to use this activity cathartically, or for documentation purposes; it is up to you. Answer as many or as few questions as you would like—only the last four (short) questions are required for submitting. The other questions are presented as writing prompts to stimulate reflection. We invite a variety of writers: those who enjoy bullet points and those who share in paragraphs.
You do not have to identify yourself, it can be completely anonymous if you wish.
We understand that your ideas, thoughts, and opinions may adapt as things around the world and in our community change daily, so we want to give you the option to take the survey multiple times if you wish (just like a real journal!). We only ask that you please keep your chosen name consistent and unique so we can track and group your responses.
Additionally (or alternatively), Archives staff encourages you to keep diaries and journals during this time. Write letters to yourself. Create documents that will last for our future. And later, you can consider donating a copy to the Archives.
If you have questions, contact Archives staff at
archives@lacrosselibrary.org.
Thank you for contributing to our local history.
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