World Storytelling Day - 20th March

World Storytelling Day marks a worldwide tribute to the craft of oral storytelling, observed annually on the March equinox. During this day and night, individuals across the globe endeavour to both narrate and hear stories in diverse languages and settings. The aim is to foster a collective exchange of stories, spark inspiration, facilitate learning, and forge international connections. The tradition first began in Sweden in 1991, and will be held on March 20th this year. 

In coalition with this special date, we’ve recently had some visits from local schools as part of the Reading Buddies scheme. Children from schools such as Bitterne Park Primary, have come in for a morning of activities and have given us all a bit of hope for the future of the country with their curiosity, intelligence and humour. These visits have been very helpful in getting feedback on the changes we’re making to our children’s section as well. It has always been important to foster a back-and-forth between the community and the shop, and suggestions from the children are going directly into our continuing developments in that area of the shop. 

The magic of oral storytelling begins in childhood. It has been great to reconnect with the form that stories first emerged, and serves as a timely reminder that with every book we sell, the world becomes a little less lonely, a little more connected and informed, and a lot more interesting.