Sunderland Library is reaching out to story lovers everywhere, offering a new Story Hour for Grownups.

Almost every library in the country holds a story hour for preschoolers and small children, sometimes accompanied by songs or arts and crafts. But in truth, everyone loves stories, especially when they are read well.

That’s the main idea behind Sunderland Public Library’s new short story series starting Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m.

Aaron Falbel, head of Adult Services, wonders why the kids should have all the fun.

“Our species has been telling and listening to stories virtually since we developed language,” he said. ” From Icelandic sagas to the tales of African griots to Native American powwows and stories around the campfire.” He said telling stories is part of the cultural glue that holds us together.

“There is something captivating about stories, something that draws us in,” he said. “This explains the popularity behind such radio programs as “This American Life,” “A Prairie Home Companion,” “StoryCorps,”
“Invisibilia” and, especially, “Selected Shorts.”

The Sunderland program has been modeled after this last program by enlisting professional actors to read the stories.

Why actors?

Falbel explains, “Actors are better at voice characterization and expression than most librarians. They know how to make a story especially captivating and how to emphasize the drama and emotional content of the story.”

Sunderland Library Director Katherine Hand agrees.

“We feel this is just the sort of literary program that belongs in a public library, and we are excited by the prospect of enriching the lives of story-lovers across the Valley with these wonderful stories, expertly read,” she said.

Falbel has enlisted two local actors to read at the first program in the series.

Kermit Dunkelberg of Ashfield, a co-founder of the Pilgrim Theater Collaborative, will read a humorous tale by Walter R. Brooks titled, “Ed Has His Mind Improved.”

Myka Plunkett of Northampton, who hails from Oklahoma and has training in musical theater, will read a heartwarming story by the acclaimed author Ray Bradbury called, “Exchange.”

Both stories have a common theme — they involve libraries in their plots.

Subsequent programs in the Sunderland series will have different themes.

“We are fortunate to have a wealth of theatrical talent here in the Pioneer Valley,” said Falbel. “Ms. Plunkett and Mr. Dunkelberg are but two examples. I have been helped greatly by Court Dorsey, an accomplished actor, director and playwright from Wendell, in finding terrific local actors,” he said.

Along with Dorsey, Richard Trousdell, a Sunderland resident and professor emeritus in acting and directing at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, will work with the actors.

“These will be more than just readings,” said Falbel. “They will be dramatic performances of a very high quality.”