Literature. Discussion. Connection.

Stories connect us all.

People & Stories / Gente y Cuentos brings carefully chosen short stories and guided literary discussion to people in places where access to literature and the humanities may be limited.

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People & Stories participants seated around a table with printed short stories during a guided literary discussion
A current Gente y Cuentos program at Greenwood Elementary School.

A Program Without Walls

We bring literature to where people already gather.

Since 1972, People & Stories / Gente y Cuentos has invited participants to read, interpret, and respond to enduring short stories. A trained coordinator guides the discussion, but there is no single "right" answer. Every participant's perspective adds to the meaning of the story.

Programs take place in English and Spanish and are offered free to participants and partner sites.

Eight-week seriesTime to build trust, confidence, and a sustained reading practice.
English and SpanishPrograms designed to honor language, culture, and lived experience.
Free to participantsBooks, materials, and expert coordination are provided.

How It Works

A shared story opens new ways of seeing.

Each program combines close reading with an open, respectful exchange of ideas.

Read aloud

A carefully selected short story is read aloud so everyone can participate.

Look closely

Participants return to the language, images, characters, and choices in the text.

Discuss together

A trained coordinator invites interpretation, reflection, and many points of view.

Write and reflect

Optional writing helps participants deepen ideas and connect literature to experience.

Where We Work

Literature belongs to everyone.

We partner with trusted organizations to reach people whose voices and ideas are too often left out of public cultural life.

Older adultsSenior centers, residences, and community programs
Immigrants and multilingual communitiesWelcoming spaces for reading and exchange
People who are incarcerated or returning homePrograms centered on dignity and reflection
People in recovery or transitional housingLiterature as a source of insight and connection
Adults with disabilitiesInclusive programs responsive to participants
Libraries, schools, and community organizationsPartnerships shaped around local needs
Meet Our Community Partners
A participant speaking during a People & Stories literary discussion as other participants listen

From the 2026 State of the Arts feature on People & Stories.

See the Program in Action

Featured by PBS's State of the Arts

Go inside current People & Stories programs and hear participants, coordinators, and partners describe what happens when literature becomes a meeting place.

The feature shows the heart of the method: a compelling short story, close attention to the text, and a guided discussion in which every voice can matter.
Watch the Feature Learn About Our Programs
Father Center of New Jersey participants displaying certificates after completing a People & Stories program

Participant Voice

What a story can open

"I had nothing like this in school. I didn't know that stories like this existed. This program should be all over the world."

- Participant, The Father Center of New Jersey

Watch the Participant Story

2026 Annual Appeal

Around the World Through Stories

Federal humanities funding that supported this work for years is gone. Help sustain complete eight-week programs - free to participants and community partners - and keep literature within reach.

Join the Journey Learn About the Campaign
$80,000 in 80 days to help sustain approximately 32 eight-week programs

Take the Next Step

Help bring the next People & Stories program to life.

Partner with us, support the work, or learn how literature is creating connection across communities.

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