The New Year is often a time for reflection as we take stock and look to the year ahead. It also gives us all a chance to reflect upon the previous year as we look back on the challenges we have faced, the obstacles overcome and the good times we have experienced.
With this in mind, North Ayrshire’s Libraries are inviting residents – aged 18 years and over – to be part of a unique community audio project ‘What’s Your Story?’, supported by the Scottish Public Library Improvement Fund – an audio recording of stories, memories and reflections experienced over the last few years.
All part of Scotland’s Year of Stories, project lead William Poulter, Library Development Officer at North Ayrshire Council shares more:
“The pandemic has changed us all and our experiences, both positive and negative, will remain for us for many years’ to come.
“Our Information & Culture team already have a community memorial project underway, working together with icecream architecture and Greenspace Scotland on North Ayrshire’s contribution the national ‘Remembering Together’ Project.
“However, since our libraries re-opened following the pandemic, colleagues have heard so many uplifting stories from local people sharing things they experienced during the long time we had apart. This is why we are now inviting residents to contribute to Scotland’s post-pandemic ‘What’s Your Story?’ project.
“We want to capture examples of strength, community spirit, resilience and real lived experience from this unique time in history.
“Our audio project will involve meeting with participants to record their experiences and create what will in-effect be an audio time capsule – a look through the window of life in lockdown and how we adapted together.”
The moments captured can be something personal, a memory or observation, or perhaps input from people who were on the frontline sharing reflections from their professional journey.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands commented: “Not only does the ‘What’s Your Story?’ project give people the chance to remember friends and family lost to the pandemic, but critically serves as a beacon of light to uplift our communities by hearing the lived-experience of resilient people who kept community spirit alive over the last few years.
“Once collated, the recording will capture this unforgettable moment in history and help people in the future to understand what life was like for us all during this challenging time.
“The team would also like to hear from you if, during lockdown you became more digitally connected with friends and family and what you did using the new found skills. They are also very much interested in recording how people felt when lockdown restrictions were lifted and we were all able to appreciate and enjoy shared experiences again.
“So why not make your very own mark on history by taking the unique opportunity to contribute to this community project?”
The Council’s Information and Culture team is keen to hear from you and the project recognises that there is no singular pandemic experience, all stories are welcome.
To get involved, email: librarysupport@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or visit your local North Ayrshire Library where staff can tell you more. The deadline to register your interest is Wednesday 15 February 2023.
Find your nearest library via the webpage here: Find a library (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)