West Hartford Library To Honor 'Mama Blanks' At Storytelling Event

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The art of storytelling will be celebrated Thursday evening at a special event in memory of a beloved icon.

The Gertrude Blanks Storytelling Celebration will take place Thursday, March 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Noah Webster Library, 20 S. Main St., West Hartford.

The event is in honor of the late Gertrude Blanks, aka "Everyone's Grandmother," who died in 2019.

A Hartford and, later, a West Hartford resident, she also worked in the Hartford Public Library system.

"Gertrude has been described by those who knew her as a 'Hartford legend,' 'Mama Blanks,' and "Everyone's Grandmother,'" wrote the library in an announcement.

The West Hartford Public Library System said she dedicated her life to serving the community, connecting with young people, and education through storytelling.

"To honor her, our speakers will share stories of people who, like Gertrude, support, nurture, and bring comfort to those around them," wrote the library. "The program will be followed by light refreshments and conversation."

The 2025 Gertrude Blanks Storytelling Celebration speakers are:

• Floyd Wyche is a retired librarian and former colleague of Gertrude.

He will share his experience of working with Blanks at the Albany Avenue Branch Library in Hartford.

• Andre Keitt is a professional storyteller and friend of Gertrude.

• Anaya and Aaliya Lal are West Hartford students and members of West Hartford Immigrant Teens (WHIT).

They will be sharing the story of their grandfather Ramesh Bijlani.

• Okey Ndibe is an author and West Hartford Library Foundation board member.

Folks are asked to register now for the free program to secure a seat at this special event at https://buff.ly/0XHllVb.