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CHICAGO - Three master storytellers will share their craft as part of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 17th National Conference & Exhibition taking place Nov. 5-8, in Columbus, Ohio. Kevin Cordi, Jim Flanagan and Lyn Ford will appear at the Thursday night festival and celebrate the everyday and fantastic with attendees in a casual evening of traditional and original tales. For more information, visit .

"Storytelling is an opportunity to listen. Good storytelling is an invitation to enter the story. Great storytelling empowers you to become a part of the adventure," said Liz Deskins, local arrangements co-chair. "Our three storytellers are masters, and you will find yourself happily immersed in story and the adventure that accompanies it. You may also become inspired to dip your toe in the storytelling pool and share a tale yourself."

Kevin Cordi believes educators can unlock the puzzle of learning with story. He keeps an ear to the ground everywhere he goes so that he can hear the stories of America and beyond and he tells the stories he hears. Kevin shares stories with a highly energetic, animated and interactive style and is considered by many storytelling professionals as one of the most influential and dynamic storytellers and teachers today.

Jim Flanagan retired from his educational career as a Hall of Fame coach and principal and took his experiences on the road in the form of stories. He believes telling stories motivates students to read more and stirs their imagination and because of the entertainment value of storytelling, students learn skills without realizing it. Jim his audiences, "You may not remember all the words of the stories, but you will remember how the stories made you feel."

Lyn Ford is a fourth-generation and nationally recognized storyteller of African American heritage from Appalachia. Her “home-fried” tales consist of folktale adaptations, spooky tales and original stories rooted in her family's multicultural storytelling traditions. Her rhythmic and interactive storytelling style appeals to all types of learners and it encourages language and literacy skills by building an appreciation for the oral tradition.

The Storytelling Festival is generously sponsored by Penguin Random House. Admission is included with full conference registration.

The AASL National Conference & Exhibition is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. The 17th National Conference & Exhibition, “,” taking place Nov. 5-8, 2015, will feature preconference workshops, special events, concurrent sessions and an exhibition featuring companies relevant to the profession.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.

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