The Iowa Storytelling Festival is an annual event that occurs at the end of summer reading. This year brings a renewed program in partnership with Ventura Public Library, Meservey Public Library, and Rockwell Public Library. The event includes a local author fair (with Three Bells Books on site to represent Iowa authors who can’t be there), a craft station, and a lunch, all in the Olson Building at the North Iowa Fair!

Schedule of events:
10:00 am – doors open to public
10:30 am – Nicholas Pawlowski (Children’s Stories)
11:30 am – Lunch Break
1:00 pm – Sue Searing (Storytelling for all ages)
2:30 pm – Coral Conant Gilles (Mardy Murie Chautauqua Performance)

Meet the Storytellers:
Nicholas Pawlowski: Nicholas Pawlowski M. Ed. is an interactive storyteller and educator who founded The Story Table Foundation as a place where children can experience interactive and embodied storytelling! Through his extensive work in education and inter-cultural relations, Nicholas learned how mental and emotional wellbeing is improved by connecting with others through the arts. https://nicholaspawlowski.com/

Sue Searing: Sue Searing tells traditional folk and fairy tales as well as original stories drawn from her own experiences. Whether she’s entertaining children on a Saturday morning or competing in a story slam at a downtown bar, Sue infuses her performances with warmth, expressiveness, and humor. In addition to engaging audiences in person, Sue enjoys performing live online and she often records stories for broadcast on the radio. https://suesearing.com/

Coral Conant Gilles: As a storytelling naturalist, Coral combines her passions for storytelling and nature in her work. She tells folklore, original tales, and personal stories. Her stories build connections with the natural world and between communities. Her hands-on nature activities facilitate exploration and foster curiosity. Adults, early learners, teens, and seniors all find joy in discovering the world around them in new ways. https://www.coralconantgilles.com/

Meet the Authors:
Authors TBD, reach out to the library if you're interested in applying!