Reading Libraries announces five new guest speakers as part of its ‘Reading Libraries Telling Stories’ series

READING LIBRARIES has announced an exciting lineup for its ‘Reading Libraries Telling Stories’ series, with a number of great storytellers lined up from early December into spring 2023.

‘Reading Libraries Telling Stories’ is a series of diverse and uplifting storytelling sessions, from a wide range of people from the Reading community and beyond. The sessions are part of the Library Service’s ambition to enhance Reading as a place of culture by providing high-quality, locally focused cultural experiences that delight audiences.

The storytelling sessions are completely free and are suitable for all ages. All the sessions will run on Saturdays in the children’s section of Reading Central Library.

BBC Presenter, Civil Engineer and former Deputy Mayor of Reading, Ayo Sokale will kick off the new series, with her ‘African Tales and Diverse Stories’ session on Saturday 3 December at 1.30pm at Reading Central Library.

Ayo will read from a range of her favourite stories, including ‘Buster Finds His Beat’by Pamela Aculey, ‘Sulwe’ and ‘Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History’ both by Vashti Harrison, ‘Hair Love’ by Matthew Cherry, and ‘Tales from Africa’ by KP Kojo.

Other guest storytellers to look forward to include:

• Saturday 10 December 2022, 1pm – 2.30pm: Traditional Chinese stories and crafts: ‘Nian the New Year Monster’ a bilingual book reading (in English and Mandarin), with members of the Wukong Education (International online school).
• Saturday 14 January 2023, 11am: A ‘dad/grandad/male carer’ focussed session with Neil Grant – author of ‘A Spider Lives in My Dad’s Beard’.
• Saturday 11 February 2023, 11am: Finnish-themed ‘Moomin’ storytelling session with local resident, Leena Vinkka, who is originally from Finland.
• Saturday 11 March 2023, 11am: A hand puppetry storytelling session with local resident, Naomi Pyle.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:  “Reading Libraries Telling Stories is an exciting free programme bringing talented storytellers from across the borough and beyond to share stories from around the world and our own backyards. I am delighted to be launching this new, free, programme that celebrates the talent and diversity of our borough through fun family sessions. Put the dates in your diary and look out for more session announcements soon!”

Ayo Sokale, said: “I have always loved children’s stories, fables and folk tales from all around the world. During the pandemic, I wanted to do something to cheer up the numerous kids staying at home. So, I started ‘Stories with Ayo’ to spread joy and increase representation and diversity in the children’s stories space. I’m really looking forward to sharing some of my favourite stories at Reading Central Library on 3 December.”

More storytelling sessions will be announced in 2023.

There is no need to book for the sessions, just arrive on the day at the Children’s library section at Central Library.

Find out more at https://whatsonreading.com/venues/reading-libraries/whats-on-events

The Library Service is keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part in the ‘Reading Libraries Telling Stories’ series. To find out more contact: info@readinglibraries.org.uk