Iowa Storytelling Festival

What started in 1989

The Clear Lake Public Library first sponsored the Iowa Storytelling Festival in 1989. It was intended to be a one-time special event in celebration of the library’s centennial.

Became an Annual Event

The festival was so well received that it became an annual event, and thousands of persons of all ages have enjoyed the festival in the years since. The festival’s beautiful lakeside setting draws audiences from Iowa and beyond. The festival has hosted many outstanding storytellers and that tradition continues with this year’s featured performers.

A New Page Turns

The Iowa Storytelling Festival continues to evolve! In partnership with the Ventura Public Library, the Meservey Public Library, and the Rockwell Public Library, we aim to bring a bigger, better event. Alongside the storytellers, we will be hosting a local author fair in the Olson Building at the North Iowa Fair.

Iowa Storytelling Festival 2025!

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The Iowa Storytelling Festival is an annual event that occurs at the end of summer reading. This year brings a renewed program in partnership with Ventura Public Library, Meservey Public Library, and Rockwell Public Library. The event includes a local author fair (with Three Bells Books on site to represent Iowa authors who can’t be there), a craft station, and a lunch, all in the Olson Building at the North Iowa Fair!
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Schedule of events:

10:00 am – doors open to public
10:30 am – Nicholas Pawlowski (Children’s Stories)
11:30 am – Lunch Break
1:00 pm – Sue Searing (Storytelling for all ages)
2:30 pm – Coral Conant Gilles (Mardy Murie Chautauqua Performance)

Meet the Storytellers:

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Nicholas Pawlowski: Nicholas Pawlowski M. Ed. is an interactive storyteller and educator who founded The Story Table Foundation as a place where children can experience interactive and embodied storytelling! Through his extensive work in education and inter-cultural relations, Nicholas learned how mental and emotional wellbeing is improved by connecting with others through the arts.

Sue Searing: As a storyteller, Sue’s goal is to connect people with wisdom through the ancient art of story. She tells traditional tales (fairy tales, folk tales, myths, legends, etc.) as well as true stories from her own life. She loves insights and lessons best when they’re wrapped in funny or poignant stories. Sue began her storytelling journey in Champaign-Urbana and has continued it in Minneapolis, where she performs at curated and open mic shows for both adults and children throughout the Twin Cities.

Coral Conant Gilles: As a storytelling naturalist, Coral combines her passions for storytelling and nature in her work. She tells folklore, original tales, and personal stories. Her stories build connections with the natural world and between communities. Her hands-on nature activities facilitate exploration and foster curiosity. Adults, early learners, teens, and seniors all find joy in discovering the world around them in new ways.