A celebration will be held at the  Noah Webster Library in West Hartford Center.

The image of Gertrude Blanks, along with Judy Casperson and Tammy Exum, are part of a mural on the side of the Noah Webster Library in Wets Hartford. Photo Credit: Sophie Christensen (we-ha.com file photo)

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March 20 is World Storytelling Day and West Hartford Public Library and the West Hartford Office of Equity Advancement are marking the occasion with the Gertrude Blanks Storytelling Celebration. This annual event celebrates the life and legacy of local storyteller and educator Gertrude Blanks through reminiscences and stories.

Gertrude has been described by those who knew her as a “Hartford legend,” “Mama Blanks,” and “everyone’s grandmother.” She dedicated her life to serving the community, connecting with young people, and education through storytelling. To honor her, our speakers will share stories of people who, like Gertrude, support, nurture, and bring comfort to those around them.

Following an introduction by Gertrude’s friend and colleague Floyd Wiche, we will hear stories from Okey Ndibe, Andre Keitt, and sisters Anaya and Aaliya Lal about people who shaped them.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 20 at the Noah Webster Library, located at 20 South Main Street in West Hartford. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are advised to use the entrance in Blue Back Square, as the library will be closing to the public at 5 p.m. The program will be followed by light refreshments and conversation.

As part of this celebration, the library will also host a story time and craft for children in grades K-3 with local artist Julie Phillips to celebrate grandparents and the other special people in our lives. This program will take place on Saturday, March 15 at 11 a.m., and registration is now open.

An exhibit about Gertrude’s life and accomplishments will be on display in the Meeting Room of the Noah Webster Library from March 13-20 and can be visited when the library is open. Visit www.westhartfordlibrary.org for a full list of library hours.

Gertrude Blanks was born in Baltimore, Maryland and moved to Hartford, Connecticut as a young child in the early 1920s. She later lived in West Hartford and attended Hall High School. Storytelling became her special time with her mother and a way to feel connected to her people and her history. She developed her gift of storytelling and worked at the Hartford Public Library for more than 20 years, facilitating story times and continuing that tradition with many schools and organizations seeking her services until her late years of life. She was an inspiration for the many poets and storytellers that followed her legacy.

Registration is required. Learn more about this event and register online at bit.ly/GertrudeBlanks2025 or by calling 860-561-6990.

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