Sharing stories

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

A new take on storytelling is coming to the Strathmore Municipal Library on Jan. 30. ‘Tall Tales – Fostering Literacy Through Storytelling’ is coming, thanks to John and Wanda Reinholdt of Reinholdt Productions. “The reason this program came about is Family Literacy Day is on Jan. 27 and so we are doing this in celebration of Family Literacy Day,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services. “What Wanda and John will be doing, is they will be coming and telling stories but in a different form of storytelling versus what we do here at the library for our storytime. Generally most stories we do at storytime are reading from a book.” Wanda Reinholdt said basically she and her husband will be sharing two stories, an African one and a Jewish one. “It’s sharing stories in a very engaging and fun way and it’s learning from the story and enjoying the story,” said Reinholdt. “I love telling stories, it’s one of my favourite things to do because it’s profound.” Both stories are very different but will also be something adults and children will get a lot out of. Family Literacy Day this year is focused on 15 minutes a day. “If families just spend 15 minutes a day on literacy, whether it be storytelling, or reading to each other in the home, or even simply when you’re travelling and reading billboards, or license plates, things like that will help encourage literacy when children are going into their school years,” said Erison. Research has shown when you encourage literacy in early developmental ages kids will go into school more prepared and will perform better. On Jan. 30 Reinholdt Productions will have two hours to tell the two tales before opening up into discussion with attendees. “What’s really interesting about story is we all get different things out of it, that’s the cool part about story,” said Reinholdt “The discussion is not ‘this is what the story is about.’ The discussion is what did you take from the story because that’s the beautiful thing about story, is it can mean something completely different to you.” Everyone is welcome to attend the free program, and no registration is required. “The program is open to all ages, we like to say from young children to seasoned adults who value the entertainment of good story. I think it doesn’t matter what age you are, people love stories, and storytelling can span all ages from youngsters just learning about books and stories to seniors who love to tell historical stories and memorable stories from their past,” said Erison. Launching a new edition to celebrate their 15th anniversary, said there is more to come. To participate in the ‘Tall Tales: Fostering Literacy Through Storytelling’ program just show up at the library on Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. Another story, albeit an old one, recently confirmed and coming to the library is Larry Robinson, returning with his Titanic exhibit on April 10. His Titanic memorabilia will also be on display at the beginning of April.