The Kraemer Family Library (KFL) held a “Build-A-Binding” storytelling event on Feb. 13 that had contestants building short narratives using only the spines of library materials, such as books, DVDs and picture book collections. ‘Ilaheva Tua’one, KFL Storytelling Professor, and Elizabeth Brown, Outreach Coordinator for KFL, helped participants as they compiled unique stories in just 45 minutes. A secret theme, revealed on the day to be “Shades of REaD”, gave contestants a starting point to shape their stories.
“I wanted to hold a unique storytelling contest that involved students handling and touching library resources – to get the books into the hands of students,” Tua’one explained. “I had the secret theme chosen months ago, it came to me in a dream, ‘beet red.’ But after a practice round, we decided the theme was too specific. I still loved the ‘red’ especially so close to Valentine’s Day, and I also liked the homonym ‘read’ and its connection to books. It was just a short leap to ‘Shades of REaD’ – a theme that was both limiting and open to interpretation.”
From the submissions came several unique stories, with Iris K. taking first place, V.B. Rankin and Lizzie Juliet in second and Justin C. in third. Though he didn’t place, contestant Calvin F. created a memorable entry complied entirely of newspaper headlines. The submissions were judged by a panel from the English Department, including Professors Ann Amicucci and Kacey Ross and riverrun editors Olivia Bishop and Bri Jackson.
“We’re very excited to be hosting programs at the library again and looking forward to finding new and creative uses of the library’s collection,” said Brown.
If you’re interested in seeing the stories in person, they’re available on the display in the KFL 2nd Floor Apse (behind the popular books section) for all Mountain Lions to read until Feb. 28.
About the Kraemer Family Library at UCCS
The Kraemer Family Library fosters the intellectual growth of UCCS students, faculty, staff and the Colorado Springs community by developing innovative services, technologies, collections and spaces that facilitate their emerging information needs. With a goal of advancing the spirit of discovery, the Kraemer Family Library offers an environment that encourages scholarship, creativity and intellectual freedom, while supporting the diverse needs of all users. Learn more about the Kraemer Family Library online.