Ghost stories to haunt Staunton Public Library Oak trees will sway and creak in an eerie graveyard setting Saturday at the Staunton Public Library during an annual ghost story presentation. More than 500 people attended the event last year, which will begin this year at 7:30 p.m. This years featured storyteller is Debbie Rauch from Kingsport, Tenn. The Virginia native travels around the United States giving storytelling performances, workshops and school residencies. Ms. Rauch tells stories for all ages and encourages lots of audience participation as she performs. Ms. Rauchs ghost stories come from the oral traditions of Appalachia, Africa, Canada and Native America. She also tells stories from other countries around the world and her own imagination. These stories are spine-tingling, suspenseful and sometimes lighthearted. Ms. Rauch has performed for college groups, preschools through high school, fairs, civic groups, clubs and special celebrations. During the Ghost Stories program, the Staunton Public Library lawn is transformed into a spooky graveyard. Tombstones, an antique coffin complete with body, along with other scenery and lighting effects combine to provide an eerie setting. People of all ages are invited to the free performance, and the Friends of the Library will have a cider concession during intermission. Parents of very young children should be cautioned that the stories will be scary and are aimed at adults, teens and children from about third grade and older. Since the performance is outside, dress warmly and bring a blanket to sit on. The Staunton Public Library is located at 19 S. Market St. For more information call (703) 332-3902. Photo Caption: STORYTELLER Debbie Rauch of Tennessee uses facial expression to convey the scariness of her stories. She will tell ghost and other stories in a free presentation Saturday at the Staunton Public Library.

Please note: My former storytelling name from 1989 to 1997 was Debbie Rauch. In May of 1997, I returned to my maiden name of Debbie Dunn. That has been my storytelling name ever since.