Storyteller Day was the intent of obtaining residents of all ages in El Valle Area to tell stories at the library about family tradition, history, trades, family foods, and holiday traditions. Instead, it turned towards providing storytelling at the library on an annual basis in April. In April is National Library week, The David F Cargo Public Library in Villanueva, NM held its first annual Storyteller Day on April 18,2015, the second Storyteller Day was April 16, 2016 with a theme, “ Castles in the Air “ providing stories of fairies, knights, princesses, kings, and queens. The Princess and the Pea was read and Cinderella to name a few. Children got to make their own princess hats and interact reading and telling stories at the microphone. This was a great turn out.
The 3rd Storyteller day was themed, “Reading on the Orient” held on April 8, 2017. Maps of Asia and Japanese tales were told that day. The 4th Storyteller Day event held April 21, 2018 was themed, “Preserving Cultural Tradition in El Valle. “Where homemade Tortillas were assembled by all patrons and Jim Ballard had a hands on demonstration of spiritual music and children were able to play instruments. Katherine Beuhler taught traditional Baile Folklorico to all of the volunteers including the “Broom Dance.” The Broom Dance is performed mostly at weddings and it is played like musical chairs. There are many variations of the Broom Dance depending on which part of the latin world you are from. It was a successful event. The 5th Storyteller Day themed, “Beatrix Potters Tea Party.” The Storyteller event was taken to the local Valle Elementary and Middle School in El Pueblo within 10 miles of the David F Cargo Public Library in Villanueva, NM. We took enlarged books, and tote bags provided by ABQ the Magazine with freebooks provided by TLC. We had 5 volunteers dressing up in tea party hats while reading many books aloud. The highlight of the event is having children read in front of the whole class and participating in games. The 6th Storyteller Day was held in January 17, 2020 themed “ Be Kind.” It was unforeseen the CoVId Pandemic would arise and change our rural community and the continental United States. The Valley School wanted us to visit more the upcoming school year. Therefore, with the Covid Pandemic, We will be broadcasting Storytime on You Tube for the months we were planning on reading to the kids in the following months: September, October, November, February March, April, and May. With different themes and crafts to do at home. See Library Events and Information.