Blacktown City Council Libraries has launched a special book compiling 50 stories of life during COVID-19 lockdowns, in partnership with a local author.
Council worked with Quakers Hill storyteller Emie Roy of ‘The Stories Untold’, the Community Migrant Resource Centre and Westpoint to publish the book, The Light at the End of the Tunnel.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the book documented an unprecedented time in history and its effects on the local community.
“We know Blacktown City residents were hit especially hard by COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions for an extended period of time,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Many of us were separated from our families, friends and colleagues for months on end and sadly missed out on doing the things we enjoy.
“This book shares real-life stories of our multicultural residents and the effects the lockdown had on them.
“I congratulate Emie Roy and all contributors for making this important project happen.”
The book features anecdotes, reflections and experiences from lockdown as well as hopes for a post-lockdown future and was officially launched at a special event at Bowman Hall last week, with more than 150 guests in attendance.
Emie Roy said, “The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been released after 10 solid months of work and it is here that the journey of the book begins.
“I am truly honoured that this amazing compilation of stories is going to be housed in the archives of State and Federal libraries of Australia.
“My heartfelt thanks goes to each and every one who has stood with me through thick and thin while this book was in the making.”
Blacktown City Council Libraries supported the project through printing the book and developing promotional materials.
The book is available to borrow from Blacktown City Council’s libraries.
Photo: Curator and storyteller Emie Roy (right) with Dr G K Harinath, Chairman of Multicultural NSW (left), at the launch of the ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’.
