Press Release
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.
