Library's traveling 'Story Pod' coming to Grain Valley branch in December

During the month of December, a traveling recording booth called the “Tell Me a Story Pod” will arrive at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Grain Valley Branch (400 SW Buckner Tarsney Rd., Grain Valley). The pod, which is traveling from the Library’s Midwest Genealogy Center will offer customers the opportunity to tell and record a short story about themselves and receive a free copy. Users can also elect to have their recording archived to MGC’s Tell Me a Story Oral History Collection.
 
The pod is one piece of MGC’s Tell Me a Story initiative, which launched in 2010 with the installation of recording equipment at the Center, as well as the creation of “kits” that customers can check out and take home. Both the in-branch equipment and kits are used by customers to record themselves and their loved ones as they recount cherished memories. The initiative aims to help metro residents collect, preserve, and share oral history with future generations.
 
“At its core, Tell Me a Story is about capturing your memories in your own words,” said MGC Assistant Manager Emily Wildhaber. “The Midwest Genealogy Center helps connect people with their past, but we also want to save stories for future generations to listen to and enjoy. It’s one thing to read about an event in a history book, and it’s another to hear your ancestor speak about experiencing that event themselves. We hope residents of all ages will come share their stories with us, whether it’s in the pod, using one of our kits, or in person at MGC.”
 
The Tell Me a Story Pod seats two adults, and anyone is welcome to come and use the service during Library hours at no charge. Upon entering the booth, there are instructions to navigate through the recording process as well as release forms to allow the Library to process, archive, and/or publish the story (users under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign). After the recording is complete, users can elect to receive a free copy of the story via mail or email. 
 
Find where the Tell Me a Story Pod will be each month on the Midwest Genealogy Center’s website. Tell Me a Story kits can be reserved via the Library’s online catalog and picked up at any of MCPL’s 34 branches. The oral history recording room at MGC can be reserved by calling the branch at 816-252-7228 to make an appointment. During the appointment, a trained staff member will sit in to operate the technology. 
 
Additional information about the Midwest Genealogy Center, its Tell Me a Story initiative, and other services, can be found at mymcpl.org/Genealogy.

During the month of December, a traveling recording booth called the “Tell Me a Story Pod” will arrive at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Grain Valley Branch (400 SW Buckner Tarsney Rd., Grain Valley). The pod, which is traveling from the Library’s Midwest Genealogy Center will offer customers the opportunity to tell and record a short story about themselves and receive a free copy. Photo credit: MCPL