The story behind a storyteller in a Georgia library
July 24, 2020
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — A well-crafted story can turn a seemingly hopeless situation into an unexpected triumph.
For storyteller Kelly Greene, known by her friends at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library as "Ms. KK," her service to the community is nothing short of triumphant.
Greene lived in Glynn County for seven years before recently moving to western North Carolina, but for the past two years, she prioritized "spreading joy like jelly" with her endearingly bubbly storytelling.
"It's interesting the way life changes throughout the years and the kind of different hats you wear," she said.
For Greene, becoming a storyteller was a long time coming, and perhaps was a "hat" she was destined to don.
"I have an acting and improv background," she explained. "I always remembered a storyteller that came to my middle school. She made an impression on me, especially since being a kid can be so confusing and tough sometimes."
Greene's reminiscence motivated her to leave the corporate world behind and pursue her passion of proliferating positivity to children through her love of literature.
"Everything aligned in the way it should, and I changed my mindset from 'How can I find a job?' to 'How can I spread love and joy?'" she said.
She first began reading at story time for babies and quickly worked her way up to toddlers and middle schoolers, using her infectious charm to inspire many young readers as she danced, sang and shared laughs with the kids.
"I always would make sure the kids are number one in sharing the love of books with them. It's nice that no matter what is happening in your world, you can open a book and experience something completely different," she said.
However, Greene did not expect that reading would continue to transport her to different worlds long after leaving Glynn County.
"When the virus happened, I thought, 'How can I get story time to these kids and give them some sense of normalcy during these scary, weird, wacky times?'" Greene said.
She contacted the Brunswick- Glynn County Library director Geri Mullis about taking story time to a virtual space and was immediately given the green light.
"Ms. KK" had returned, but now in a new setting: Facebook Live.
"It has been a wonderful way to stay connected with all of my favorite friends," Greene said with her characteristic positivity. "And, I've made new friends too now that more kids can be reached by the library."
While Greene is thrilled to be reconnected with the aspiring readers of the area, there have been a few hurdles to overcome in her new online space.
"Performing in front of a laptop is difficult; it's hard not having that interaction with the kids to know if they're enjoying the book or getting bored."
Adaptability proved to be crucial for Greene in her new digital storytelling space, but she has found several ways to make the kids feel right at home.
"I want them all to feel like they're still in the library together," she explained. "Sometimes I'll say 'I'm so glad we're all here together' or 'We missed you last week.'"
Greene harnessed the silver lining of a grim pandemic, using the gift of online connectivity to read to her friends once again.
Now, Greene not only shares her love for literature, but uses her platform to give hope to kids while they are cooped up in their bedrooms.
"I hope I'm making an impact, that's always been my goal. That's what keeps me coming back."
Local mother Emily Darling, a frequent chaperone to her kids' story time with "Ms. KK," definitely feels the impact of Greene's warmth in her own home.
"She's provided us during this pandemic with the sense of normalcy. We missed seeing her face, and being able to reconnect with someone that makes my boys happy and excited is just so great," Darling said.
Samuel, her 5 (and-a-half) year old son and one of "Ms. KK's" biggest fans, chimed in: "I love her stories! She's so silly!"
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