On November 15, 2025, the Rye Storytellers Guild took part in the 25th annual edition of Tellabration!, a global event devoted to the art of storytelling. Held at the Rye Free Reading Room in Rye, New York, from 1 pm to 3 pm, the event invited attendees to experience a rich tapestry of stories told by local storytellers, and to engage with the oral tradition through audience participation. The event, which has become a cherished local tradition, drew in a diverse crowd and highlighted the power of storytelling as a means of both entertainment and community-building.
Tellabration! has its roots in 1988 when the Storytelling Network initiated a month of storytelling in November. Over the years, the event has grown into a global celebration, with communities across the world participating in their own unique ways. The Rye Guild’s event this year emphasized a wide array of tales, from personal memoirs to local community legends, demonstrating the broad spectrum of stories that can unite people of all ages and backgrounds. The focus on participation also stood out, as the audience was encouraged to co-create new stories with the storytellers, making the event a shared experience that deepened connections among those in attendance.
In today’s age of rapid digital consumption, events like Tellabration! offer a refreshing contrast by celebrating the spoken word in its purest form. The act of sitting together in a physical space, hearing a voice narrate a story, and then joining in to share one’s own narrative fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens community ties. Storytelling has always been a fundamental part of human culture, and in an increasingly digital world, these events help keep the tradition alive while providing a meaningful space for self-expression.
Organizers of the event pointed out the importance of storytelling festivals in maintaining the vitality of local libraries, reading rooms, and arts organizations as essential community hubs. These venues provide a physical and cultural space where people can come together to celebrate shared stories and experiences. The Rye Storytellers Guild’s Tellabration! served as a reminder of the importance of preserving these spaces, especially in neighborhoods where cultural dynamics are rapidly shifting.
With free admission, refreshments, and a welcoming, communal atmosphere, Tellabration! at the Rye Free Reading Room became an event that families and individuals alike could enjoy. It offered an opportunity to reflect on the value of storytelling not just as a form of entertainment, but as an avenue for personal expression and collective bonding. For those who attended, the event was a reminder of the timeless nature of stories and the power they have to bring people together.
As cultural anchors in changing neighborhoods, storytelling festivals like Tellabration! are becoming increasingly important in helping communities stay connected, particularly in an era where technology often distances people from face-to-face interaction. In Rye, the event provided both a celebration of the art of storytelling and a call to action: to continue fostering spaces where oral tradition thrives and where every voice has the opportunity to be heard.