Algonquin library to hold Larsen Park Storytelling Festival
Submitted by Algonquin Area Public Library
The Algonquin Area Public Library, in cooperation with the Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department and Algonquin Events and Recreation Department, will hold the first Larsen Park Storytelling Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.
This is a performance event of professional storytellers, a puppeteer and musical entertainers from the greater Chicago area who will perform for 20-30 minutes each. It will be held rain or shine.
Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the festivities at Larsen Park, 1211 Pyott Road, Lake in the Hills. There is a large shelter with picnic tables, electricity and a Porta John. Take Pyott Road to East Oak Street to Creekview Lane to the parking lot. Signs will be posted to direct attendees to the park.
Ÿ Darlene Neumann, storyteller and library media specialist, specializes in world folk tales and stories about growing up on a southern Illinois farm — some bittersweet, and some very funny. She paints compelling pictures through her stories, inviting listeners to laugh and cry and revel in the joy a story can reveal about human nature.
Ÿ Paddy Lynn is a professional actress, storyteller, and drama teacher for over 25 years and has written several children’s stories, and directs children’s plays because of her passion for theater and love of kids. Her storytelling programs include multicultural stories, Native American stories, stories of mystery and intrigue for Halloween and beyond, and several history programs as well. Paddy has appeared on Channel 11 WTTW, Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and many other popular sights in Illinois.
Ÿ Vlada Bernhardtz, who grew up in Africa and Europe, brings a wealth of folk tales from many corners of the world. Her audiences enjoy the wit and wisdom of generations and cultures woven into her stories.
Ÿ Jennifer Kaap, “The Silly Librarian,” has presented story times in libraries, bookstores, schools, restaurants, parties, and community events throughout Illinois and California. The Elgin resident currently works at the Dundee Library.
Ÿ A. Denise Farrugia, a library youth services manager and member of the Lincoln Story League, tells tales that are funny, touching or have a quality of magic in them which is one of the most wonderful ways to communicate with people. What is most important in storytelling are the tales themselves that become a part of people’s lives. Her repertoire includes folk tales and literary tales from children’s literature, many with audience participation.
Ÿ Silva Kraft-Walker is a children’s librarian who loves to get preschoolers laughing into literacy with her mostly furry puppet family. Plum Crazy Puppets selects only the best from children’s literature and uses a variety of puppetry styles and techniques to delight children with soul-stirring stories topped with wiggles, giggles and grins.
Ÿ Choral-Aires Chorus, a chapter of the Sweet Adelines which has placed in the top 10 choruses at international competitions for the past 30 years, will provide musical interludes between storytellers with a small quartet, A La Carte. This fresh group of women will sing barbershop style arrangements for your listening pleasure “a menu of food for the ears.”
For details, call the library at (847) 458-6060 or visit www.aapld.org.