Franklin County Public Library archiving your 2020 reflections for future generations

The library’s community storytelling project is open to all in Southwest Virginia

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – The Franklin County Public Library is launching its very first StoryBoard Project. People of all ages from across the region are invited to participate.

Here’s how it works:

  • The library first wants you to take time reflecting on the lessons learned in 2020 and what you’re looking forward to in 2021.
  • Then, express those thoughts through a painting, drawing, doodle, poem, essay, whatever you choose.
  • From there, drop off your project at any Franklin County Public Library branch and at some point this year, your project will be displayed at the Rocky Mount location and social media.

“The stories can be about anything. The pandemic has been sort of the catalyst for all the reflection and stress and concern that people have had and the disruptions to daily life, but there is a lot of other stuff going on,” said Christine Arena, Franklin County Public Library programming, marketing and outreach director.

The project is on-going so there’s no hard deadline for when to turn in a project.

The point is for people to tell what 2020 meant to them or what they want 2021 to look like but it will also be a way for the future community to understand this momentous time from a local standpoint, beyond the history books.

“We’ll preserve them and sort of create an archive so that future residents and visitors can look at these stories and get a sense of what had happened,” said Arena.

Here is a template for you to print or download. Using the template tell what 2020 meant to you or what you want 2021 to look like.

You don’t have to include your name if you would like to remain anonymous.

If you can’t drop it off in-person you can email a photo of your story to TheStoryBoardProject@FranklinCountyVA.gov or mail it to Franklin County Public Library, 355 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.


About the Author:

Megan Woods is thrilled to be back home and reporting at Local 4. She joined the team in September 2021. Before returning to Michigan, Megan reported at stations across the country including Northern Michigan, Southwest Louisiana and a sister station in Southwest Virginia.