Stories & Poems follows a simple format. The morning begins with a performance of a featured storyteller or poet, followed by a question & answer session and then a passing of the gourd. At that point, everyone present will be invited to tell a personal story, perform a poem (an original or a favorite written by someone else), read a short section of prose or simply pass the gourd on to the next person.

 A collaboration of the Naturita Community Library and the Telluride Institute’s Talking Gourds poetry program, Stories & Poems is held the third Sunday of the month, and is free and open to all ages, thanks to the generosity of the library, private donors and Talking Gourds’ Fischer and Cantor poetry contests.

 The Naturita Community Library is located at 107 W. 1st Ave. in Naturita and can be contacted at 907-787-2270.

 For more information, text 970-729-0220 or email Goodtimes at <art@tellurideinstitute.org>. Or visit our website: <www.tellurideinstitute.org/talking-gourds