CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is pleased to announce the lineup for its 5th Storytelling Festival, which will take place at the AASL 15th National Conference & Exhibition in Minneapolis this October. Master storytellers Jerry Blue, Dianne de las Casas and Judi Moreillon will share their stories from 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. Admission to the festival is included in the price of registration

Jerry Blue’s mission as a storyteller is keeping traditional African-American stories alive.  Blue believes that often people overlook the human sources – the people who know the local lore and stories – and instead look to television, movies and books. Blue’s performance is not just as an entertainer, but as an oral historian, one who is a custodian of the past and a chronicler of the future. Blue’s appearance at the festival is made possible by the support of COMPAS.

Dianne de Las Casas' performances can best be described as "traditional folklore gone fun!" De Las Casas adds humor, song and audience participation to take listeners to a world of fantasy and enchantment. A dramatic storyteller, de Las Casas sizzles on stage with use of character voices, creative movement and animated facial expressions and gestures.  She does not stay still, and neither will her audience.  Attendees won't just listen - they’ll sing, clap, dance, chant and roar with laughter.

Judi Moreillon's presentation is both personal and worldly as she relates personal family experiences as well as authentic stories from other cultures. Moreillon began her storytelling journey as a classroom teacher and developed the art as a school librarian and children’s book author.

The AASL 15th National Conference and Exhibition, "Turning the Page," is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Taking place in Oct. 27-30 in Minneapolis, the AASL National Conference will feature preconferences, numerous concurrent sessions, more than 200 exhibiting companies, educational and school tours, a storytelling festival and special appearances by award-winning authors. The deadline for "early bird" discounted registration is August 4. For more information or to register, visit www.aasl11.org.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.

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