Engaging Community Through Storytelling - by Sherry Norfolk & Jane Stenson (Paperback)

About the Book

This exploration of model storytelling projects shows librarians how to expand their roles as keepers of the stories while strengthening their communities.
Community life is built on its stories. Our history and culture--those of society and of individuals--are passed from generation to generation through stories. Engaging Community through Storytelling: Library and Community Programming examines a wide variety of model storytelling projects across the country, reflecting how storytelling can encourage community attachment, identity, and expression in libraries, community centers, and schools.

The contributed essays--written by experts in their fields, many of whom served as developer, fundraiser, director, and implementer of their project--provide detailed information about the inner workings of a wide variety of model storytelling projects from across the country. The authors delineate the need, scope, and audience for each project and offer riveting anecdotes that evaluate the success of that project. Many of the articles are accompanied by one or more photographs documenting the work or practical how-to-do-it guides to encourage and enable replication. Thoughtful commentary on and review of the key concepts in each chapter are provided by the book's editors.

• Presents an inspirational and impassioned documentation of how storytelling can and is being used in libraries, community centers, and schools to engage and strengthen communities
• Helps librarians create programs for youth storytellers that keep children and young adults involved in their schools and communities
• Showcases replicable programs that can readily and immediately be implemented in school and public libraries, as well as in other community organizations
• Provides a timely and effective response to tension and divisiveness in our communities

Book Synopsis

This exploration of model storytelling projects shows librarians how to expand their roles as keepers of the stories while strengthening their communities.

Community life is built on its stories. Our history and culture--those of society and of individuals--are passed from generation to generation through stories. Engaging Community through Storytelling: Library and Community Programming examines a wide variety of model storytelling projects across the country, reflecting how storytelling can encourage community attachment, identity, and expression in libraries, community centers, and schools.

The contributed essays--written by experts in their fields, many of whom served as developer, fundraiser, director, and implementer of their project--provide detailed information about the inner workings of a wide variety of model storytelling projects from across the country. The authors delineate the need, scope, and audience for each project and offer riveting anecdotes that evaluate the success of that project. Many of the articles are accompanied by one or more photographs documenting the work or practical how-to-do-it guides to encourage and enable replication. Thoughtful commentary on and review of the key concepts in each chapter are provided by the book's editors.

Review Quotes

"[T]he book demonstrates the value of community storytelling programs and provides design ideas and valuable implementation suggestions." --ARBAonline

"The entries provide enough practical details on the need, scope, and audience for their projects so that users can replicate them locally, with adjustments as needed. Those interested in using storytelling to create, support, and engage their communities would be well served by this informative and inspiring collection." --Booklist Online

"This title will inspire readers to develop their own community-building storytelling projects." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Sherry Norfolk, an award-winning storyteller, author, and teaching artist, performs and presents nationally and internationally.

Jane Stenson, storyteller and teaching artist, is a former classroom teacher and pre-service faculty.