Reading Libraries announces five new guest speakers as part of its 'Reading Libraries Telling Stories' series

Reading Libraries has announced an exciting line up for its ‘Reading Libraries Telling Stories’ series, with a number of great storytellers lined up from early December into spring 2023.

BBC Presenter, Civil Engineer and former Deputy Mayor of Reading, Ayo Sokale will kick off the new series, with her ‘African Tales and Diverse Stories’ session on Saturday 3 December at 1.30pm at Reading Central Library.

Ayo will read from a range of her favourite stories, including ‘Buster Finds His Beat’ by Pamela Aculey,‘Sulwe’ and ‘Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History’ both by Vashti Harrison, ‘Hair Love’ by Matthew Cherry and ‘Tales from Africa’ by KP Kojo.

Other guest storytellers to look forward to include:

• Saturday 10 December 2022, 1pm – 2.30pm: Traditional Chinese stories and crafts: ‘Nian the New Year Monster’ a bilingual book reading (in English and Mandarin), with members of the Wukong Chinese School.
• Saturday 14 January 2023, 11am: A ‘dad/grandad/male carer’ focussed session with Neil Grant – author of ‘A Spider Lives in My Dad’s Beard’.
• Saturday 11 February 2023, 11am: Finnish-themed ‘Moomin’ storytelling and crafts session with local resident, Leena Vinkka, who is originally from Finland.
• Saturday 11 March 2023, 11am: A hand puppetry storytelling session with local resident, Naomi Pyle

More storytelling sessions will be announced in 2023.

There is no need to book for the sessions, just arrive on the day at the children’s library section at Central Library.

The Library Service is keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part in the ‘Reading Libraries Telling Stories’ series. To find out more contact: info@readinglibraries.org.uk