Anyone who loves telling or hearing stories will find something at AudioCon.Beloit Public Library is hosting a celebration of the power and fun of audiobooks with activities from 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. on April 1st. The event features award-winning narrators Dion Graham and Jayne Entwistle. Dion Graham is a critically acclaimed actor and narrator who has performed on HBO’s The Wire, The First 48 on A&E, on Broadway, and more. Jayne Entwistle is an avid improviser who narrated the popular Flavia de Luce series among others. She has been a voice actor in national commercials, animations and videogames. Both will talk about their work as narrators and how it fits into their personal and professional lives.
While Graham is in town, he will make a special appearance at Beloit Turner High School. He will lead a spirited conversation on how we all determine who we are and what we want to bring to our families, friendships, and communities. He will also talk about how he uses the texts he reads to help develop the worldview that enables him to speak his own mind with compassion and authority.
Another special guest at AudioCon is Deb Taylor, coordinator of School and Student Services at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. She has been an inspiring young adult librarian and library advocate for years. She reads widely and enjoys listening to audiobooks for fun. At AudioCon, she will talk about how she manages to read adult books for pleasure by “reading with your ears.”
Throughout AudioCon, participants can stop at listening stations around the library and sample audiobooks. Training on how to download digital books and audiobooks with a library card will be taught all day in the Riverside Room. All Rock County library card holders have access to materials on Hoopla and Overdrive, which will be the focus of this training. Jayne Entwistle will lead a Reader’s Theater Master Class for students in the morning and they will perform for the public in the afternoon. Participants can stop by the narration booth to record their own voice on a USB stick to take home.
The event wraps up with The Great Storytelling Voice Competition, the ultimate test for anyone who wants to try his or her hand at being a narrator. Contestants show their storytelling skills by reading a passage of a story aloud. Just like in NBC’s “The Voice,” a panel of judges will be able to hear, but not see the contestants. The winner will get an award, “The Vonnie,” and will have the pride of being “The Great Storytelling Voice.”
The event is free, thanks to the support of generous sponsors: Brilliance Audio, Penguin Random House, the Beloit Health System, Grinnell Hall Senior Center and local audiobook enthusiast Vonnie Adams. Free popcorn and beverages will be provided and everyone will go home with a variety of audiobook goodies for listening enjoyment.
