Library Programs
Unique Storytelling Programs for Library Patrons of All Ages and for All Seasons
Library Programs
Unique Storytelling Programs for Library Patrons of All Ages and for All Seasons
Since 1993, Jenifer has designed library programs to coincide with the national Summer Reading theme along with offering year-round library programs including writing workshops, Friend of the Library Dinner Theater, Teen Programs, Lock-in Nights, and other seasonal and special programming.
Week of the Young Child: Special preschool programs to celebrate your youngest library patrons.
Children’s Book Week: Celebrating best-loved stories from favorite Children’s authors through Storytelling.
Special Holiday Programs: Each season brings special holiday celebrations. Story Be Told offers special programs for Halloween, Thanksgiving Harvest, Winter Holidays, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and the arrival of Spring.
March is Reading Month: Celebrating Reading throughout the state of Michigan with well told and well- loved stories that can be found in books to read again.
Family Nights: Families celebrating stories together.
Friends of the Library Events: Historical, thoughtful and humorous programs for adult friends of the library.
Summer Reading Programs: Jenifer has been creating theme-based summer reading programs since 1993. See current Summer Reading Program below!
Storytelling for All Seasons
Hey, Ho… It’s Halloween
Tingling Tales for Halloween
A Bounty of Autumn Tales
Tales to Tell Together
Urban Legends and Other Scary Tales
Tales from the Haunted Shores of Michigan
Winter Tales to Warm Your Toes
Heart-warming Holiday Tales
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Warm and Fuzzy Valentine Tales
Tales to Tickle Your Funny Bone
Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales
Going Green with Jenny Jean
Every Hero Has a Story
Juggling Turtles: Going Beyond the Tortoise and the Hare
Summer Reading 2026: Unearth Your Story
During the Summer of 2026, Jen Strauss will be Unearthing Stories with your younger and older patrons offering two special Library programs.
For Young Patrons & Families
Growing Green with Jenny Jean
Master Gardener, Jenny Jean brings her gardener’s tools, and puppet friends, Herman the Worm and Lady Bug Lu to tell stories and sing songs about growing things that are healthy and green! Learn about garden helpers, Sing to the sun, make it rain and learn the Growing Green Garden Dance in this well-rounded program that blends storytelling, singing, movement and play.
At the conclusion of the program, everyone will plant their own bean, and Jenny will leave patrons with a special coloring sheet including tips for Living Green.
Fees for Summer Programs:
Share with nearby libraries and save!
$450 for a single performance
$800 for two performances per day
$1000 for three performances per day
For Teen Patrons
Unearth A Mystery: A Clue Finding Competition
Encounter rat goblins, mysterious ghosts, and people buried alive. Join Storyteller, Jen Strauss as she shares intriguing mysteries with teams of teens.
The goal? To find as many clues as possible for prizes.
Fees for Summer Programs:
Share with nearby libraries and save!
$450 for a single performance
$800 for two performances per day
$1000 for three performances per day
Contact Jen for adult programs to Unearth the Writer Inside of You.
Library Bio for Jen Strauss, Storyteller & Narrative Coach
2026 will be Jen’s 33rd year of creating Library Programs using the National Summer Reading theme. A former teacher, Jen discovered the power of story to motivate and inspire her students. In 1993, she created her business, Story Be Told and has been enriching more than 200 audiences a year with her own unique brand of energy-injected performances, workshops, trainings and conference keynotes.
Other Adult Performances
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Is it the battle of the sexes or the balances of the sexes? Jen will share stories about love found and lost, and all the lessons learned along the way.
Stories from Life’s Garden
A variety of carefully crafted, thought provoking, and humorous stories about life for adult audiences.
Michigan Legends and Lore: Stories from Shore to Shore
Stories from the Great Lake State about our history, animals, land formations, and Tall Tale heroes!
Tales from the Haunted Shores or Michigan
Stories of strange occurrences, sightings, and unsolved events from our own Great Lake State of Michigan.
Growing Up Motown
Humorous and poignant stories about coming of age in the city of Detroit during the 60’s
