LEWISTON – Michael Parent, nationally known storyteller, singer and playwright, will lead a two-part workshop, “Grab the Space,” for third- through sixth-grade patrons of the Lewiston and Auburn public libraries from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Lewiston library.

The workshop is limited to 15 children. With enough interest, a second workshop will be held that morning at 10 a.m. A presentation for family and friends of the participants will be held in the Children’s Department that evening from 6:30 to 7:30. Snow date is Thursday, Feb. 24.

Parent has developed a straightforward approach for beginning storytellers. Through the use of exercises and “challenges,” which range from the simple to the mildly difficult, aspiring storytellers get a sense of how to approach the choosing, the learning and the telling of a story.

Parent will lead the children through basic storytelling skills: how to perform a monologue, tell a joke, create a skit. That evening, students will share their newfound talents in an hour-long presentation, which will also include stories and songs by Parent.

This jointly sponsored library program, started in 1992 as a Young Writers’ Workshop, has been an annual event for the libraries and each year is supported by the Friends groups of both libraries.

The workshop is free, but space is limited and registration is required. For information or to register, children may visit or telephone either library: APL, 782-3191, ext. 3; LPL, 784-0135, ext. 4.