Suffolk Libraries launch ‘Around Suffolk in 40 Stories’ with BBC Radio Suffolk
To mark Libraries Week 2021, Suffolk Libraries have partnered with BBC Radio Suffolk to launch a new ‘human library’ of 40 different personal stories from across the county.
Around Suffolk in 40 Stories is an audio project by Suffolk Libraries, led by and in collaboration with award-winning storyteller Glenys Newton. Throughout 2021, Glenys recorded 40 conversations with people across Suffolk in a story relay, where each person nominated the next person.
The project aims to promote intercultural understanding, empathy, listening and relatability with a vision to build a society where we welcome difference, sparking dialogue between people from all walks of life, with the people of Suffolk, telling the stories of Suffolk.
Glenys Newton said:
“I am passionate about people's stories and I believe that everyone has a story to tell and everyone should have a chance to tell it. If you don't tell your story then someone else will tell it for you and they usually get it wrong! Being a part of the ‘Around Suffolk in 40 Stories’ project has thoroughly restored my faith in the human race when my faith had all but run out, so I will be forever grateful for that. I am so happy to have been a part of this particular story revolution.”
Melissa Matthews, Suffolk Libraries, Creative Programmes Manager said:
“This project has been deeply personal to everyone involved. We are so grateful to each and every one of the 40 people who have generously contributed their personal stories to this project. Storytelling gives the listener a chance to see the world from a different perspective and we hope that through Around Suffolk in 40 Stories our audiences will have an insight into different viewpoints and a chance to (briefly) walk in someone else’s shoes for short while.”
Around Suffolk in 40 Stories will be launched on BBC Radio Suffolk on Monday 4 October with many of the stories being broadcast over the next few weeks. The Around Suffolk in 40 Stories podcasts are also available on all main podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple podcasts. You can find it by searching for ‘Around Suffolk in 40 Stories’ and there are full details of all the interviews on the Around Suffolk in 40 Stories website.
Everyone involved in the project has been invited to a special celebration event on 8 October at Ipswich Library which will be the first time those interviewed will have met each other.