"World of Stories" Storytelling Program Launches Stroud Library Route 66 Celebrations

The first library program of the GRANT FUNDED "Route 66 Family Adventure Hub"  (Stroud, Oklahoma) will be March 19 at 4pm. Storyteller Marilyn A. Hudson, Stroud library's artist-in-residence will present a “World of Stories!” A celebration of storytelling in honor of World Storytelling Day (March 20) , the program will introduce the “Cool Cat,” a symbol of the wandering adventure spirit of Route 66. Bring the whole family to this first in a year-long series of storytelling fun!

More information can be found on the Library catalog at stroud.booksys.net/opac/spl/ or contact the Library staff by calling 918-968-2567 or e-mailing library@cityofstroud.org. Stroud Public Library is at 301 W. 7th Street and is currently open Mon.-Tues. 9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm, Wed.-Thur.-Fri. 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm and Saturday 9am-noon.

Hudson to Work with Stroud Library During Route 66 Centennial

Storyteller and author, Marilyn A. Hudson, will be partnering with the Stroud Public Library as they celebrate the 100 years of the famous Route 66 highway.  

The Stroud Public Library was recently awarded two grants due to the national focus on the celebration.  

One grant will add a new neon sign to raise public awareness of the historic art deco building now housing the library. It was a 1930's telephone exchange building and is unique in the art deco architecture and the fact it houses the only elevator in Stroud!

The other grant makes the library the only library in Oklahoma along Route 66 to receive a programming grant. "The Route 66 Adventure Hub Program" will allow families traveling the famous road to stop and take part in fun activities and programs designed for them.

Hudson will be assisting in providing fun oral storytelling and book-based programs suitable for families.  Hudson is a retired educator and library professional with two decades of experience working with youth and children and in sharing stories professionally.

The grant will also provide for 2026, some additional staff and added hours to raise the levels of access and activity for the centennial.

"There is no better time," said Hudson, " to explore and discover the local library!"

Oklahoma Winter Storytelling Retreat: Jan 23-24, 2026, Ada, Oklahoma

 Here is a great opportunity to learn more about storytelling and hear some great talent (some known nationally!).  

The Oklahoma Territory Tellers are partnering with the Chickasaw Nation's arts and humanities program to bring these workshops and concerts!

Share the news!!  Learn more at https://territorytellers.com

Check out Elizabeth Ellis in action! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74-1qys13_E

Ghosts of the Road With Marilyn A. Hudson

Had a wonderful afternoon at the ROUTE 66 SPIRIT OF AMERICA Museum in Stroud, Oklahoma on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.  Part of the museum's speaker series, I was able to share some spooky and strange tales focused in and around Route 66 in "GHOSTS OF THE ROAD."  A lot of them were drawn from events in or near Stroud.  Spooky ghosts, strange objects in the skies, and haunting creatures seen in the woods; a lot of fun with some great listeners! Best all the museum received many donations.

Author, researcher, and storyteller, Marilyn A. Hudson, as A Ghost of Route 66 in front of a display of some of her books and program. 

Some wonder women in the Wonder Woman Theater Space of the museum.

Marilyn A. Hudson is an author, historian, and storyteller who has been traveling the twists and turns of the "Story Road" for nearly 20 years.   She presents original tales, as well as historical and folklore tales, with her own little twists. She is also "The Ghost Teller" specializing in haunted tales of literature, history, and folklore. For four years she added her spooky touch to the Overholser Mansion's annual benefit event, "Scary Tales and Twilight Tours."  

The ROUTE 66 SPIRIT OF AMERICA MUSEUM, Stroud, Oklahoma, "... explores the dreams America has achieved, what made achieving them possible, and those dreams America can achieve in the future!" Coming in 2026 is a special emphasis celebrating the centennial of Route 66 and the 250th birthday of the United States of America. "The Year of the American Moonshot Project: A Bold Journey to Inner Space."  That space is a world "transformed by the knowledge of what cooperation and love can give us...literally the world of our dreams."  Contact: Steve Brant (Cell-646-221-1933) or email steve@route66spiritofamericamuseum.org.  Web: American Moonshot Project | Route 66 | Spirit of America Museum

Had Fun at Stroud's Summer Fest for Children and Families

 After Covid left many community networks, events and activities were sidelined. Now, however, in Stroud, Oklahoma the local "STROUD ARTS" is gearing back up with theatrics, workshops, performances, and community art-based events. 

At end of July Marilyn A. Hudson was telling stories designed to delight, thrill, and engage audiences. 

Looking toward the Fall, in October she will be telling stories to raise a chill at the local museum, on Saturday October 11,2025 at the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum on Main Street/Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma. 

Marilyn is also a published author and her most recent works are for children, Annie Oklahoma: A Tall Tale and The Bottomless Well. 

In addition, she has put together a guidebook for informed sky watching called "What's That?: A Guide for UAP Spotting" where she seeks to raise awareness of the diversity of natural and manmade objects in our night and day skies, introduces astronomical activities/events, and weather activities that can be observed and identified, as well provide some guidelines for knowing when something is truly strange. 

Summer Arts Fun

 

2025 Speaker Series Will Share Ghosts Tales, Oct. 11, Stroud, Oklahoma

 A FREE storytelling event (donations to museum welcome!) is set for Sat. Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.   The event is designed for teens and adults but older children may enjoy it as well. 

The oral storytelling event will shares tales of haunted places along the famous road, some stories of folklore, and unsolved mysteries. "All tales perfect the spooky season!" noted storyteller and author Marilyn A. Hudson. The retired library professional has decades of experiences sharing stories to a wide variety of audiences. 

The event will be hosted at the ROUTE 66 SPIRIT OF AMERICA MUSEUM, located on Route 66/Mainstreet in Stroud, Oklahoma.

Space may be limited.