Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
In conjunction with the summer reading program theme, “Oceans of Possibilities,” the Stillwater Public Library will host a water-themed StorySLAM. The event will take place at Hazel Modella Art Gallery on Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m.
Librarian and StorySLAM host Lisa O’Donnell is excited to have an in-person StorySLAM this year.
“The last two StorySLAMs for the library have been virtual and, though they were wonderful, having a live audience is so much fun,” O’Donnell said. “And we’re excited to partner with Modella Art Gallery again!”
A StorySLAM is a live storytelling event that has risen to popularity thanks to “The Moth,” a nonprofit dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. Participants try to tell the most entertaining true story and, for library StorySLAMs, they must also be family-friendly. Stories are limited to five minutes or less and must be told without notes, entirely from memory. Members of the audience judge the presentations on the story’s originality, delivery and cohesiveness. Prizes are awarded to the best storyteller.
Stories can be about anything related to water, from an underwater adventure to a quick unexpected trip into the river. Slightly embarrassing stories in the storyteller’s past of falling in a mud puddle, catching and then losing a fish or mishaps with the garden hose are good entries for the competition.
“Some of the most entertaining stories are the ones where the teller laughs at themselves,” O’Donnell said. “Stories of mystery and drama are enthralling too, like the time someone got lost floating on a river or the basement flooded.”
Don’t have a great story to tell? A storyteller needs a responsive audience to make the storytelling meaningful. This event is for storytellers and people who like to hear a good story. Two audience members will be asked to be judges, so active listening is encouraged. If there are more storytellers than time, presenters will be chosen by lottery. Whether telling a story or attending the event to listen, registration is requested. Light refreshments will also be served courtesy of the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library.
To register for this program and other summer reading events, use the online form on the summer reading webpage ary.stillwater.org/summer_@_your_library.php. More programs for adults, teens and children are scheduled throughout the summer. Readers of all ages are invited to join the library’s summer reading program and track their reading time to win prizes.
Library staff will immediately post information about canceled or postponed programs on the library website. Participants are encouraged to check library.stillwater.org before coming to a library event. Updates will also be posted on library social media channels @StillwaterOKLib.
The 2022 Summer Reading Program, “Oceans of Possibilities,” is sponsored by the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Science Foundation.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.