Friends of the UNCG Libraries

Who: Doug Elliott When and Where: Monday, September 8, 2014 7-9 p.m. UNC Greensboro – Elliott University Center Auditorium (Free and open to the public)   Saturday, September 6, 2014  12:00-12:45 pm and 4:30-5:30 pm , Bookmarks Festival, Winston-Salem (Free and open to the public) Whether he's singing about catfish, pontificating on possums, extolling the virtues of dandelions, telling wild snake tales or wailing out a jivey harmonica tune -- internationally-known storyteller and author Doug Elliott will take you on an unforgettable, multifaceted cultural tour of North America's back country. Elliott will appear at several free events in Greensboro and Winston-Salem in September, sponsored by the University Libraries at UNCG with support from the Pam and David Sprinkle Children’s Book Author and Storyteller Fund. Doug's stories derive from his unique lifestyle, as well as his deep interest in plants, animals and people. Since humanity's beginnings our connec...

Pam Sprinkle is a person who makes things happen. During her term on the Friends of the UNCG Libraries Board of Directors, financial cutbacks threatened the continuation of the Children’s Book Author and Storyteller Series that brings prominent author/storytellers to the UNCG campus each fall.  The Series has three components: 1) to perform at UNCG for nearly 1000 fourth graders in area schools; 2) to conduct a master storyteller Q&A session with UNCG students studying to become elementary school teachers; and 3) to appear at both UNCG and the area Bookmarks Festival under UNCG sponsorship.  Without even being asked for her support, Pam determined that she wanted to see the series continue, and worked out a plan with husband David to do so, committing to fund it for five years.  The Sprinkles’ generosity not only saved the series, it allowed it to thrive, and with their ongoing commitment top author/storytellers could be booked a year or more in advance, som...

Each year for the past five years, the University Libraries have hosted a nationally known children's book author and storyteller, and invited the community to campus for free performances. How did this relatively new tradition come to be? More information (pdf format).

Stories are powerful. A well-told story even more so. Five years ago, the University Libraries began a series that brings children’s book authors and storytellers to campus. The goal? To reach out to area school children and to teach future educators about using stories in the classroom. This year, Bobby Norfolk, co-author of “Anansi and the Pot of Beans,” “The Moral of the Story: Folktales for Character Development” and “Anansi Goes to Lunch,” will share his tales with area school children and the public Sept. 12. The event is made possible by the Pam and David Sprinkle Children's Author and Storyteller's Series Fund. Norfolk, who began his career as a stand-up comedian and actor, discovered storytelling in 1979. Since then he has performed living history programs that highlight the African-American experience as well as musical shows that feature live musicians. His stories promote character education traits (such as respect and responsibility), cultural diversi...