The stories of the Black Dirt

Library’s seventh annual storytelling celebration takes place Nov. 18 Florida - The Florida Public Library will sponsor its seventh annual “Tellabration!” on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Seward Senior Center next to the library. Tellabration!, produced locally by the Black Dirt Storytelling Guild which meets monthly at the library, is a worldwide benefit day of storytelling promoted by the National Storytelling Network. Tellabration! is always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and seeks to bring together storytellers and story lovers of all ages and experience to enjoy this ancient art form. . The theme of this year’s event is “Treasured Tales” and guild members invite residents of Florida and neighboring communities to participate as both tellers and listeners. Suggested tales might be favorite family or local history stories and legends, fairy tales, myths, tall tales, tandem tales or the recounting of a memorable personal experience. Storytelling is a wonderful activity at any time of year, but is particularly appealing as the weather grows colder, holiday time approaches and family memories of good times and hard times resurface and are shared across the generations. Prospective storytellers are asked to contact Library Director Madelyn Folino at 651-7659 as soon as possible to sign up. She is National Storytelling Network’s liaison for upstate New York. “We are looking for five to seven minute stories, or possibly longer, on any subject for a general audience,” Folino said. “We are interested in whatever you think is a good story. We want to hear it!” All storytellers appearing at Tellabration! and their families are invited to a potluck dinner in the library, following the show, featuring treasured family recipes. Tickets for Tellabration! are on sale now at the library and are $5 per person or $10 per family. The proceeds of the event will benefit the library’s fund for future programs. Call 651-7659 for tickets or information. Beginning storytellers of any age or students who require help or advice in shaping their stories may ask for a coach from the Black Dirt Storytelling Guild. The library’s storytelling collection, located next to New Arrivals, has numerous anthologies of stories from around the world as well as many titles on techniques, ethics and etiquette for storytellers. Visit www.tellabration.org to read more about the annual celebration and National Storytelling Week.