FAYETTEVILLE N.C. – The Cumberland County Public Library kicks off the 14th Annual Storytelling Festival at Festival Park on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to this family friendly event.
Carolina Storyteller, a bilingual storyteller and performer, will explore the myths, legends, folktales, historical narratives and literature of Latin America and Hispanic cultures. There will be local rhythmic talent before Carolina’s performance. In case of rain, the festival kick-off will be held at Headquarters Library located at 300 Maiden Lane, in downtown Fayetteville.
March 4 is the kickoff event, but the Storytelling Festival will take place March 1 – 31 throughout the Cumberland County Library System with virtual and in-person stories and activities for children from birth to age 12. The theme for this year’s festival is Rhythm of a Story. All programs and activities are free and will focus on celebrating diverse cultures; encouraging children to explore, embrace and express their own stories through rhythm; and exposing them to several folklore stories.
The Cumberland County Public Library received a $9,000 grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County in June 2022 for the Storytelling Festival.
“We are so grateful to receive funding for the 2023 Storytelling Festival for Rhythm of a Story,” said Faith Phillips, Cumberland County Public Library Director. “Events such as the storytelling festival promote literacy for all ages in our community. Storytelling and music allow for listeners of all ages to use their imagination as they explore, discover and learn.”
About the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County:
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that supports individual creativity, cultural preservation, economic development and lifelong learning through the arts. Founded in 1973, the Arts Council has served as a link between artists, arts, cultural organizations and the greater community by administering programs in partnership with a variety of local agencies to stimulate community and economic growth, reinforce child education, and enhance the cultural identity of the arts and entertainment district.
In the fiscal year 2020-21, the Arts Council distributed $1.1 million in grant funds and allocations to Cumberland County arts and culture nonprofit organizations, artists and municipalities. The Arts Council’s grants, programs, and services are funded in part by contributions from community partners, and through grants from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the N.C. Arts Council.
For more information concerning in-person and virtual programs at the library, please visit the library’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov/library or visit the library’s social media.