Omaha Public Library offers the best storytelling ideas

This column, writer's workshops and storytelling events, appeared in the Oct. 27, 2024 edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE), page 3E of the Living Section. It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab, opens a new window).

Libraries have always been keepers of stories, from picture books and popular fiction to memoirs and poetry, not to mention being stewards of local histories and storytelling resources. Omaha Public Library also offers opportunities to inspire community members to craft and share their own stories across mediums. At the library, patrons can not only consume stories but actively create and share them, fostering an environment where curiosity is cultivated and storytelling skills can flourish.

Writer's Workshops and Story Slams for Aspiring Creators

Adults can join an upcoming Writer's Workshop: Microfiction to learn more about the craft in an experience led by a member of the Nebraska Writers Collective. These workshops explore themes that were inspired by the 2024 OPL Reading Challenge; however, your work can be outside and go beyond the initial prompts. Spark creativity and practice writing in community with others! Attendees will leave the workshops with a finished piece that could be shared at a Stories After Dark event.

Stories After Dark is a fun, loose, mildly competitive storytelling event for adults. During this story slam, participants share a five- to eight-minute story based on the theme of the night. The next Stories After Dark is Nov. 9 at the W. Clarke Swanson Branch. November's theme: Family. What emoji do you think of when you think about your family? What's the story about your family? Whether it be a found family, family adventure, military or veteran family, OPL wants to hear about your experiences! If you don't want to take to the stage, attend to hear and appreciate compelling stories, cheer on the storytellers, or even volunteer to be a judge.

Teen Workshops and Events for Creative Expression

Opportunities for teens to expand their storytelling skills are also available. At the zine workshops, teens learn how to create their own handmade, hyper-local booklets on their chosen subject matter. Created by community members, zines can be used to educate, inform and entertain, and promote freedom of speech and expression. Zines can resemble a traditional book with only words or a graphic novel with a mixture of words and pictures. Materials are supplied at these workshops, but bring your ideas, your creativity and copies of any photos or other illustrations you would like to include in your creation. The final zines can be taken home or donated to the library to be represented in OPL's zine collection.

The Writer's Workshop: Poetry events take teens through a workshop hosted by a member of the Nebraska Writers Collective. Participants will leave with a finished piece of poetry that can be performed at OPL's annual Teen Poetry Bash on Dec. 7. For the Teen Poetry Bash, contestants must prepare two original poems to perform as slam poetry or read aloud. Each entrant will perform one original poem. Top-scoring entrants will pass the first round to perform a second poem and be eligible for the cash grand prizes.

Discovering Stories from the Past in Local History Collections

OPL's local history collections and archives can inspire new creative projects that blend research with storytelling, showing how stories that were lived long ago can spark new narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. A recent collaboration with the MaMo Gallery generated works of art built upon family stories, and the Genealogy & Local History Room has resources to help you expand upon and fill in the gaps of your ancestral story.

As Omaha Public Library continues to expand its programs and resources, it's clear that the library is more than just a keeper of stories; it can be a catalyst for the community to create and share their own. Learn more about opportunities to elevate your storytelling at omahalibrary.org.

About Omaha Public Library

Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org.