The Arlington Public Library celebrated Native American Heritage Month on November 15, 2014 with the Native American Heritage Storytelling Festival.

Oklahoma Choctaw and award-winning author Tim Tingle visited Arlington's Central Library to give a writer's workshop for adults and teens and later, a storytelling performance for all ages. Tim told the audience that each person has a unique perspective, so they are the only person in the world who can tell their stories. During one of of Tim's brief writing exercises, a workshop participant shared a compelling new idea for a novel based on his family's story.

Meanwhile, families enjoyed activities aimed at younger children. Library staff performed a storytime featuring Native American books, including Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle. Children could also decorate bracelets and play games online.

For the final event, Tim wrapped up the festivities by gathering all ages together for storytelling in the traditional style. He had the audience act out the story with him by using full body gestures and shouting lines together. Patrons laughed along as they participated in the storytelling. One audience member remarked that the time flew by when listening to Tim. The first time she checked her watch during the program, she was surprised to find it was nearly over!

Native American Heritage Month is observed every year in November. It is an opportunity to remember, study, and celebrate millennia of Native history, culture, and people and to learn more about the contemporary lives and perspectives of Native Americans. Tim Tingle embraced the past and present during his workshop and performance, telling traditional stories with lots of history behind them as well as current tales from his personal and family life.

Find out more about Tim Tingle's books, storytelling and workshops at: http://www.timtingle.com/