The art of storytelling

Telling stories is an art. For some it comes naturally, but for others it needs to be researched and well-crafted. In the Maritimes, it seems that storytelling is woven into everything we do – from recounting the fun we had over the weekend, to grandparents telling their grandchildren stories of their past. Delivery is key and, whether it’s in the form of songs performed by local musicians or told through guest performers; sharing stories seems to be what libraries do best.

Sharing stories with special guests as part of the upcoming Children’s Performer Tour

Last Friday, the Westville Library was excited to host to a performance and workshop with West African Dancer Abena Tuffour. Her appearance was the first of five special performances that will take place this summer at select public libraries in Pictou and Antigonish counties, as well as at the Trenton Park Amphitheatre. A special thanks to library staff, the Town of Westville for the use of the gym, Westville Recreation for helping with set-up along with those who were able to attend. Mark your calendars for the remaining four performers and their appearances, which include:

■ Circus Performer Mike Hirschbach — Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m., Trenton Park Amphitheatre

■ Gaelic and Acadian Multi-Instrumentalist Mary Beth Carty — Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 10:30 a.m., Pictou Library

■ Children’s Singer and Songwriter Jamie Junger — Thursday, Aug. 17 at 1:30 p.m., New Glasgow Library This province-wide tour was organized by the Council of Youth Services, which includes youth services staff from all nine public library regions in Nova Scotia, with funding provided by the Nova Scotia Provincial Library, Nova Scotia Provincial Libraries and the Department of Communities Culture and Heritage through their Nova Scotia 150 Forward fund. For more information on the performances, visit www.parl.ns.ca, contact the hosting library/ location, or call 902-755-6031.

Telling a story through music

We’re pleased to provide Music on the Patio again this year, in partnership with the Town of New Glasgow, to celebrate the annual Festival of the Tartans on Friday, July 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m., outside of the New Glasgow Library (in the event of rain we will move the music indoors). This year we will be joined by local musicians Hayley MacLeod, Sandra DeCoste and Bruce Pettipas from the band The Kitchen Criminals to perform some music with a Scottish flare. Bring your lunch and listen along — all are welcome. The Kitchen Criminals are a four-piece string slingin’ band from Pictou County featuring Hayley MacLeod, Bruce Pettipas, Sandra DeCoste and Ashley George. Their East Coast, Celtic rock sound was largely influenced by two Atlantic Canadian bands – MacKeel and Great Big Sea. For more information on upcoming library programs, special events and services, please drop by your local library branch, follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook, or visit us online at www. parl.ns.ca.

Holly MacLean is community outreach assistant for Pictou County for the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library.