The National Library Board (NLB) and the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) are calling for individuals, communities and organisations to contribute materials that document experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic in Singapore.

In a joint press release, NLB and NMS said that this is part of building the nation's contemporary collection and preserving a complete picture of life in Singapore during Covid-19 for future generations.

The collection drive will be open from May 22, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

What stories can you submit?

1. Daily life during Covid-19

You can contribute objects and stories that document what life has been like and what home means to you during this pandemic. Some guiding questions include:

1. How has your routine changed? – from going to work or school, getting food and groceries, your exercise routine, pursuing your hobbies
2. How did you spend time at home and stay connected with family and friends?
3. What do celebrations and commemorations look like now – birthdays,

   anniversaries, school holidays, Ramadan?

4. Looking around you, what changes have you observed in your neighbourhood, and for life in Singapore in general? How does this make you feel?
5. What are some of the challenges that you have faced, or are facing? How have you overcome these challenges, or how are you currently dealing with them?
6. What are the moments or stories that bring you happiness, hope and

   encouragement, even during this time of uncertainty?

7. What will you miss, or not miss, when the circuit breaker measures are lifted?

2. Everyday heroes of Covid-19

These are objects and stories of those working at the frontlines.

Everyday heroes include medical professionals, volunteers, social service professionals, essential service staff, as well as groups and individuals that have helped the community tide over this period.

Some questions to consider:

1. What does your life look like as a frontline or essential worker during this time, and how have you adapted to the changes?
2. What have been some of the most difficult or memorable moments? How does this make you feel?
3. What are the acts of kindness you have experienced, or shown during this time?

What kind of materials can you contribute?

You can submit the following items to NLB:

• Videos
• Audio recordings
• Photographs (and yes, this includes memes)
• Flyers
• Posters
• Blogs
• Journals and diaries

Here are examples of photos you can submit to NLB:

Submission to NLB can be made here.

NMS is collecting objects (and their accompanying stories) which tell of daily life during Covid-19 or everyday heroes.

These may include household items or gadgets, personal belongings, hand-made posters or signages, hand-sewn masks, artwork or objects adapted for Covid-19, and clothes and accessories.

You can submit them to NMS here.

Since February 2020, NLB has been archiving websites and television broadcasts, and collecting photographs and materials to document how Singapore has been managing the pandemic.

NMS, on the other hand, has been collecting objects and stories for its "Collecting Contemporary Singapore" project which documents significant moments in Singapore's recent and contemporary history.

The materials collected will be used by NLB and NMS in future collections, including an upcoming exhibition titled "Home, Truly: Growing up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present".

Top image credit: Andrew Koay and Mothership.