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Still Telling: A Day of Stories at the Durham County Main Library

Presented by DCL at Duke: this intergenerational, family-friendly event highlights the enduring power of storytelling to preserve history, strengthen community, and foster connection. 

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Children’s Programming Room)
Storytelling Performance by Donna Washington
Internationally acclaimed Master Storyteller Donna Washington will present “From 1916 to 1966: The Durham Colored Library.”
This interactive, family-friendly performance explores the origins of the Durham Colored Library—beginning inside White Rock Baptist Church—and its growth into a system of branch libraries and a bookmobile serving Durham’s African American community. Through traditional and folktales such as Anansi stories and Wicked John, Ms. Washington will honor the storytelling traditions that inspired, entertained, and united generations. The program emphasizes the importance of listening to the stories people tell about themselves in order to truly understand their history.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Children’s Programming Room)
Author Reading & Book Giveaway with Victoria Scott-Miller
Author and Founder of Liberation Station Bookstore, Victoria Scott-Miller, will read from her book Miss Edmonia’s Class of Wildfires. Miss Edmonia’s Class of Wildflowers follows Miss Edmonia and her diverse group of elementary-aged students on a museum field trip where two children, Kara-Clementine and Attilio, discover their unique strengths and identities through art and self-reflection. The session will include audience engagement and interactive elements for children and families.

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM  (Cafeteria Area)
Meet and Greet with Local Storytelling Organizations
During the afternoon, organizations with a focus on Black storytelling, arts, history, and youth engagement will host tables featuring giveaways, educational materials, and opportunities for community connection. Participating organizations will include:

  • Triangle Friends of African American Arts, advocating for and supporting African American artists and arts organizations
  • Saving Our Stories, dedicated to preserving African American history in Durham through oral storytelling and the Museum of Durham History’s Story Squad program
  • Pauli Murray Center, honoring the life and legacy of Pauli Murray through education and community engagement
  • BlackLit Library at Duke Gardens, promoting Black literature, literacy, and access to diverse stories
  • Village of Wisdom, empowering Black families and protecting Black Genius® through culturally affirming education and community programming
  • Empower Dance Foundation, expanding access to quality dance education and performance opportunities for youth
  • Museum of Durham History, preserving and sharing Durham’s history through exhibits, community storytelling, and oral history initiatives