A unique two-day literacy event planned for May will culminate in the naming of the best young storytellers in Brantford.
The StoryJam LitFest is being presented by the Kiwanis Club of Brantford and the Brantford Public Library on May 26 and May 27, 2023.
The first day will involve a StoryJam, where teams made up of people ages 12-18 will have six hours to develop and create a story using whichever technology and medium they choose. It could be a podcast, graphic novel, video or more.
“Storytelling can come in so many forms. The StoryJam event is an opportunity for local youths to showcase their literacy and technical skills to create an interesting story,” said Zile Ozols, Manager of Programming and Partnerships at the Brantford Public Library.
Applications to participate in the StoryJam challenge, which will take place after-hours at the Main Branch of the Library, are now open at www.brantfordlibrary.ca/storyjamlitfest. Teams can be made up of youth from Brantford, Brant and Six Nations and require a support-person that is 18+. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning teams.
Then, on Saturday, May 27, various organizations from the surrounding community will have information booths where people of all ages can learn about literacy supports and writing initiatives. The community can also watch the StoryJam teams present the stories they’ve created. This event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the winner of the StoryJam challenge will be announced at 4 p.m.
“This is an opportunity for our entire community to celebrate creativity and literacy and discover local supports that can help them as they continue along their lifelong literacy journey,” said Maureen Henry, Chairperson, StoryJam LitFest Steering Committee, Kiwanis Club of Brantford.
Organizations in attendance include Woodland Cultural Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Kids Can Fly, Brantford Story-Time Entertainers, Brantford Writers’ Circle, and Goodminds.
