(FLAT ROCK, NC)—Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site has partnered with Bruce Drysdale Elementary School to record Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories for the school’s 24 hour storyline—Stories on Call. The 24/7 free storyline features different stories each week. Children of all ages can call 828-694-7989 to hear a story. Beginning July 17, callers can hear Sandburg’s stories about Rootabaga Country where jack-rabbits leap skyscrapers, trains run on zigzag tracks, and corn fairies and blue foxes reside. The stories will be read by Carl Sandburg Home NHS park staff and celebrity readers including Helga Sandburg.
Bruce Drysdale Media Coordinator, Sara Smith, began the storyline to provide a valuable service to the growing number of non-English speaking and economically disenfranchised families in our area. According to Smith, “Many of these children have no one to read to them at home. It is important to introduce them to favorite authors like Carl Sandburg early so they will be looking for their books when they start to read.” Carl Sandburg Home NHS is excited to bring Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories to the storyline and to promote literacy to the children of Henderson County. Throughout his life and literary career, Carl Sandburg was a champion for people who struggle and strive for a better life.
Visitors to Carl Sandburg Home NHS can enjoy free performances of Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories presented by apprentice actors from the Flat Rock Playhouse through August 12. The Rootabaga Stories are performed on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., rain or shine, and are supported by Eastern National and Henderson County Travel and Tourism. For more information about Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, please telephone 828-693-4178 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/carl. Carl Sandburg Home NHS is located three miles south of Hendersonville, NC.
