Story Sharing: Growing Storytellers at the Institute Library
**Note
The story sharing meeting of July 13, 2023, will meet in the back yard of one of our members. In case of rain or excessive heat, the meeting will take place in the member’s home. For the address, contact the group coordinator, Arnie Pritchard, at apritchard01@snet.net.
Storytelling at the Institute Library has two components; people may join either one, or both. Both components try to discover stories, to develop skills, and to build community.
The Story Sharing Group meets in person from 7-9 P.M. on the second Thursday of each month. Anyone may join at any time. People share stories at any stage of development; from maybe-this-is-a-story first tries to polished pieces. The stories may be about personal experiences, folk tales, or any other genre. Those who wish it get feedback from the group. People may also come just to listen. The meetings are very informal, friendly, and fun.
We also meet on Zoom on the third Thursday of every other month. For 2023 this will happen on the third Thursday of July, September, and November.
The Fall Workshop Series is also friendly and fun, but a bit more structured. It’s a kind of “Storytelling 101”, which looks at issues in storytelling – for example, how the experience of oral telling differs from writing, for both the teller and the audience. With the help of the workshop leaders and of other members, each participant develops a chosen story over four workshop sessions. Those who wish to do so tell their story at a public “Tellabration” held at the Library in November.
If you have any questions about the format or any other aspect of the story sharing group, contact the coordinator, Arnie Pritchard, at apritchard01@snet.net, or 203-804-4814.
“I just want to thank you for the storytellers group and for including me in it… it’s a very important, very nourishing experience. “ – A story sharing participant
“I really like to hear these stories on so many levels. First, they’re entertaining. But, maybe more importantly, they share some very real human qualities that defy stereotypes and find real truth. This becomes a true community.” – A workshop participant