Marilyn Burridge of East Lyme, conference and event coordinator for Connecticut College, has been awarded the Barbara L. Reed Award, one of three professional awards to be presented at the 41st Annual Connecticut Storytelling Festival and Conference in New London on April 29-30.

Other award winners included Rebecca Scotka, Children and Young Adult Librarian at the East Lyme Public Library, co-winner of the Kate McClelland Librarian’s Award; and Reona Dyess, director for The Center: A Drop-In Community Learning and Resource Center, Inc., winner of the Spencer Shaw Educator’s Award.

Burridge’s award, named for the Storytelling Center’s founder, recognizes “distinguished and outstanding service to the storytelling community.” Burridge facilitated the storytelling festival for many years when it was held at Connecticut College.

The award will be presented during “The Gathering” at the Garde Arts Center on Saturday morning, April 30, at 9:30 a.m.

Dyess’s award celebrates “nurturing education through professional storytelling and storytellers in Connecticut classrooms”. Dyess has served on the Connecticut Storytelling Center board and has been an advocate for education and literacy programs for New London’s children. The award will be presented during the Bill Harley Family Concert at the Garde Arts Center on Saturday, April 30, at 4:30 p.m.

Scotka’s award celebrates “nurturing professional storytelling and storytellers in Connecticut libraries.” Scotka initiated the Storytelling Roundtable in the Connecticut Library Consortium and organized the Showcase of Librarian Storytellers. The Librarian Award will be presented at the New London Public Library during the “Tales for Teens” performance by storyteller Tom Lee, on Saturday, April 30, at 12:15 p.m.

Information on the festival is available at www.connstorycenter.org.