The Libraries at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota received one of about 200 grants provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA) in 2015/2016, to present a series of events under the theme: “Latino Americans: 500 Years of History.”
Most of the programs that took place around the Nation with the support of this grant highlighted the long history of Latinos in the United States, and its many contributions to culture, history, and all aspects of the communities where we live.
As part of their program, the SCF Libraries in Bradenton, Florida, presented film screenings and discussions, an Oral History project, and as culmination of the series, an event to recognize that one of the many ways in which our cultural history is transmitted is through oral narration and stories: a Noche de Cuentos!
On March 18, 2016 (the weekend of World Storytelling Day), a Night of Stories took place in the Bradenton Library, with the presence of storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar. The bilingual stories and interactive character of Carrie’s performance delighted the attendees who gathered around the “campfire” to share stories.
Every family present was able to walk away with a free book provided thanks to funds from the grant. The books were part of a selection of winners of the Pura Belpré Award medal or honor. Bookmarks with the list of all the Pura Belpré winners were also provided, and a display of Latino American literature for children, young adults, and adults was enjoyed by those present.
More about the SCF Libraries program can be found here: http://scf.edu/latinoamericans
If you would like to know more, contact the Latino Americans Grant Program Director at the SCF Libraries: Alicia K. Long (longa @scf.edu.)
REFORMA Noche de Cuentos 