CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the International African American Museum (IAAM) are working together to connect the Charleston County community with the stories and culture of the Gullah Geechee people. Thanks to this partnership, Gullah storytellers are bringing their tales to CCPL’s Dial-a-Story service, providing free on-demand access to recorded stories by phone.
“Storytelling is a beloved and essential tool in preserving history and culture,” says Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of the International African American Museum. “We are delighted to partner with (CCPL) to make the wit, wisdom, and wonder of these African American and Gullah tales accessible through a simple phone call. And I am especially grateful to all the storytellers who keep telling our stories!”
Dial-A-Story offers free access to recorded readings of short stories, poems, or excerpts of stories. Patrons simply call 843-805-6806 and follow the prompts to choose the story they would like to hear. New stories are posted regularly in five different categories: Birth-Kindergarten, 1st-5th grade, Young Adult, and Adult. A selection of Spanish-language stories is also available. Thanks to the partnership, there will be two new Gullah stories available each month.
“CCPL is so excited to be expanding our Dial-A-Story program with the help of the IAAM,” says Kathleen Montgomery, CCPL Outreach Manager and Interim Community Engagement Associate Director. “We know that listening to stories is beneficial for people of all ages, but it is especially helpful in the development of children and getting them ready to learn to read. These stories offer a fun and easy way for people to fit a story into their busy schedules.”
To access Dial-a-story, call 843-805-6806. Stories are free and available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. For more information on CCPL, visit ccpl.org. For details on the IAAM, visit iaamuseum.org.
About the International African American Museum
The International African American Museum strives to foster empathy and understanding, empowering visitors with the knowledge of the past. The journey will challenge, illuminate, inspire and ultimately, will move people to action. The Museum’s exhibitions will share untold stories using classic techniques as well as new approaches driven by innovation, technology and digital interactivity. Themes will include connections across the African diaspora, the spread of African American culture and influence, and the movements for justice and equality. The Center for Family History will enable visitors to trace their genealogy, while changing exhibitions and special events will keep the Museum energized. Educational programs will provide life-long learning opportunities for visitors both young and old.
The International African American Museum will open late 2022. For more information, visit www.iaamuseum.org or connect via social media @iaamuseum on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.