Library Social Media Links and Handles

How does your StoryWalk® enhance your outreach services?

Anything else you'd like to share about your library's StoryWalk(R) story?

Our StoryWalk is a delightful way for children and caregivers to discover a new story while getting some fresh air and exercise at the same time! We love featuring local children's books authors on our StoryWalk because letting the kiddos explore books about their own hometown makes it extra special. We see people of all ages enjoying stories outside at all hours of the day - early morning dog walkers, children walking home from school, college students after dinner downtown. Everyone loves slowing down for a little while to read the new story and we love catching them smile a bit while doing it.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=18nucDA5B1pOJbsRDjz3Vp9m847Ipt_Hz

Special thanks to local author Karyn Tunks for donating "USS Alabama: Hooray for The Mighty A" and "Mardi Gras in Alabama" for our community to enjoy on the StoryWalk.

@anchlibrary (twitter) @anchoragelibrary (FB and IG)

Our StoryWalk is on the lawn of our largest library branch, the Z. J. Loussac Library in Anchorage, Alaska. It provides families and patrons the opportunity to enjoy and experience our collection without having to come inside the library or be at the library at a specific time for storytime or other programs. We use it to feature stories by local Alaska authors, including Alaska Native authors, and to encourage families to have interactive conversations with their children.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1VH1wHrWhgiqxzQoQzZd7mCIc6BgQB3M6

City of Casa Grande Public Library

https://www.facebook.com/cglibraryaz

Our StoryWalk has played a vital role in our outreach services, particularly the last year. During 2020 when our library was closed (March-September), we began switching the stories in the StoryWalk more often. It was a way for families to still read a story together even though we did not have in-person storytimes. The library would create a fun video to promote the new story in the StoryWalk and then publish the video on our Facebook page. These videos would reach anywhere from 500-3000 people. They were very popular in our small community. Pre-Covid, we used our StoryWalk to do field trips for every single Kindergarten class in the City of Casa Grande! It was a great way to get our community's children to sign up for a library card, visit the library to do the StoryWalk with a librarian, and then check out a book to take home. We also use our StoryWalk for special occasions such as Halloween, Dr. Seuss' Birthday, and author visits (we showcase the local author's book). For one StoryWalk, we had a backhoe brought in from our Parks Department because the story was about a little backhoe named Joe. The kids loved it! They also got their very own hard hat to wear. We love our StoryWalk!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=15rrLenmnAXuIASLXnKC-EjacA_oiXixd

We are very grateful to our Parks Department for all their assistance with our StoryWalk. We could not do it without them. They help us maintain the signs: adjusting sprinklers as needed; replacing broken or graffitied plexiglass; and cleaning the never-ending bird droppings.

Facebook - @coolidgepubliclibrary Twitter - @CoolidgeLibrary Instagram - @coolidgelibrary

Our StoryWalk enhances our outreach services because we are able to reach families throughout our community who utilize our parks but may not visit the library. Not only do we include picture books with motions to promote an active lifestyle, we also include audio recordings of the book to increase accessibility for those with limited vision or literacy skills.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1mLUBoHhPYFp8Zl9n9rqmsrjcyAGo7aW0

We have been excited to promote StoryWalk events like our pet parade during our Summer Reading "Tails & Tales." We are also planning to have a giveaway during StoryWalk week where anyone who completes the StoryWalk will be put in a drawing to receive all the picture books featured in our StoryWalk so far. We love our Coolidge StoryWalk!

Mesa Public Library - Dobson Ranch Branch

The StoryWalk has increased library usage.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Q6MM30i-TYHFhRGl-fdQq0WKPAfVN3r0

Friends of Patagonia Library (Facebook)

Our LSTA funded StoryWalk® has been the perfect way for the library to have both a passive and active presence in the community, especially while the library building was closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The StoryWalk® is placed in our local park, right in the heart of town, and children, families, and adults alike have indulged in the stories while admiring the natural beauty of our park. We've done everything from storytimes during festival events and art walks to display middle and high school art projects. Our library received an NEA Big Read grant this year, and our kickoff event consisted of a poetry and art walk, with poetry excerpts from Joy Harjo's An American Sunrise and art created by local artists inspired by the poems.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14kUPdWb55VMv6ERu6Wt8LylEfiXpYFLJ

*Photo release was granted by parent of the child in the photo.*

Peoria AZ Public Library System, @PeoriaAZLibrary

Peoria Public Library opened two StoryWalks on October 9, 2021, and hopes to have a third very soon. The Peoria Public Library StoryWalk takes the library out to our community. It has the wonderful potential of introducing the library to new users, inspiring literacy in the community and encouraging physical activity.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Jm7RnAUl-7Nz3mZzjtCXYhXL9P1k4B6r

We were fortunate to receive an LSTA grant for this project, supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum ad Library Services.

Phoenix Public Library's bilingual English/Spanish StoryWalk® is located in Cesar Chavez Park, next to Cesar Chavez Library. Our StoryWalk® has helped customers connect from the park to the library, and the library to the park! Cesar Chavez Library staff created free craft and information kits (including a free book!) to accompany each StoryWalk® book. We look forward to hosting outdoor events at our StoryWalk® as soon as we make it below 100 degrees ;).
Phoenix Public Library has also created pop-up StoryWalk® signs to take to outreach events and school visits.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SGX5xueH30dAKlBAx7OJTZOmXGCX7clC

County of San Luis Obispo Public Library - Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, and Nipomo Branches

@slolibraries @SLOCountyLibraries @slocountylibraries #slocountylibraries

Our Tale Trails have given us a chance to partner in a unique way with County and local parks, as well as create an inactive way for children and parents to share a book together.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=198WbFsFhojsAGqq7kgZXIV3LJdzuLioG

Our libraries and our patrons love our Tale Trails.

Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD)

FB- @SCCLD; IG- @SCCLD; TW- @SCCLD

Our StoryWalk® is installed throughout the Campbell Community Center where our new Campbell Express Library is located. The Campbell Express Library is a temporary facility while our main library is being renovated. The Campbell Community Center is a large, spread-out campus. As our Express Library is located on campus temporarily, directional signage is limited. The Santa Clara County Library District implemented two StoryWalks within the Community Center complex to help direct patrons to the library.

The first starts from the main parking lot located across campus and the second starts at the busy playground and athletic fields where many sports camps, tournaments, and games are held. Both lead to the library. The StoryWalk is vital to attracting patrons to our new site, as well as to promote reading and movement.

Parents, caregivers, and children of all ages are enjoying this fun and engaging experience as they make their way to the library. Visitors are discovering that there is a library located within the Campbell Community Center. Together with the Campbell Express Library, the StoryWalk enhances their visiting experience and removes the frustration of locating the library.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=18GQPoLoTVFPkZnWwjbKPghuMfM5WzJhJ

Our Storywalk has two paths with two different color-coded stories to explore, that pass through different parts of the Campbell Community Center grounds. The two paths are relaxing and filled with trees that provide shade along the routes, plants, greenery, and benches to stop and read. Each Storywalk features 13 pages from a different book displayed on 18" by 24" boards, with each board within close line of sight from the last.

The purple path features Head to Toe by Eric Carle, is offered in both English and Spanish on 2-sided boards, and encourages the reader to follow along with different movements like the animals pictured. The blue path features I Spy Treasure Hunt: A Book of Picture Riddles by Walter Wick and Jean Marzollo and encourage the reader to find different objects hidden within the beautifully photographed pictures.

Instagram: @coronalibrary; Facebook: CoronaLibrary

StoryWalk® merges literacy, physical activity, and family fun by providing a passive program families can interact with during a time that best fits their schedule. The City of Corona’s StoryWalk® is fully bilingual and features interactive elements, audio recordings in both English and in Spanish, as well as opportunities for prizes.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dCBR_HRmYF09keprQrrruEi2zC8pJ6Km

Our Story Path allows library users to enjoy a story at any time outside of the library, even when the library itself isn't open. The Story Path helps us promote a love of reading, and a love of nature, and allows us to highlight some of our county's natural spaces.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1G068LemYp5GU_UQaYASo46O8bnQfAP__

We have a Nature Story Path in our back garden behind the library, and each of the stories we share are nature-themed.

Monterey County Free Libraries

https://www.facebook.com/eMCFL/ Instagram: @e_mcfl)

StoryWalk creates a strolling family storytime in the fresh air. It expands our services into the Greenfield library grounds in a very unique and enjoyable way. It is not unusual to hear children say "Let's do it again!"

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_FSIZOs8DCqSPQaeI25r8-JS2rJHmIiR

Local physician, Dr. Patel Deutsch has created free children's books to download, and print. Perfect for StoryWalks. They feature farmworker families and address health related topics. Some of the books are wordless to make them accessible to parents who don't read, or who speak an indigenous language. https://www.justicewithhealth.com/clinic-book-program.html

Los Angeles Public Library (Los Feliz Branch and Baldwin Hills Branch)

Los Angeles Public Library Instagram: www.instagram.com/lapubliclibrary Baldwin Hills Branch Library Instagram: www.instagram.com/BaldwinHillsLibrary Los Feliz Branch Library Instagram: www.instagram.com/losfelizbranchlapl

Our submission highlights StoryWalks launched by two separate branches in the Los Angeles Public Library system: the Los Feliz Branch and the Baldwin Hills Branch. While we each took different approaches based on our distinct locations within the city and the timing in terms of the pandemic, we shared the goals of engaging families in a safe, interactive literacy activity, raising the profile of our library branches after a period of closure, and strengthening community connections through meaningful partnerships. Based on the local media coverage and positive feedback from our patrons and partners, we felt successful and encouraged to scale up our efforts so that other libraries in the LAPL system could feel empowered to make a similar impact on their own communities. We’ve since created a StoryWalk Cohort and are working on next steps. Stay tuned!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oMUVOKQxYsUsPNG-xFZ6GbP4qC0hJyh-

Here are some more details about our individual StoryWalks:

The Los Feliz Branch launched their StoryWalk featuring All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Nikki McClure in July 2020. The branch is located in a commercial district of the neighborhood. Children’s Librarian Diane Garcia approached several independently owned shops and restaurants to display pages from the picture book. The route was about 1.5 miles in total and began and ended at the library, which was offering curbside service and promoting the Summer Reading Challenge. Families were effusive in their appreciation for a fun and safe local activity during an uncertain time and participating businesses also received a good amount of celebratory coverage by local news media.

Inspired partially by the success of the Los Feliz StoryWalk, the Baldwin Hills Branch launched their StoryWalk in August 2021 featuring Double Bass Blues by local author Andrea J. Loney and illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez. This iteration came out of a partnership between the library and the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and was on display at one outdoor location: Vineyard Rec Center. Families could visit the park, a short walking distance from the library, and experience the StoryWalk by following the pages mounted along the fence surrounding the playground and basketball court. The kick-off date of the StoryWalk coincided with a Pop Up Library program at the Vineyard Rec Center summer camp, so Children’s Librarian Meredith Sires was able to introduce campers to the concept and guide them through each vibrant double-page spread. The StoryWalk also included signage announcing the reopening and exact location of the branch after more than a year of closure, while promotional flyers highlighted Vineyard Rec Center’s recently renovated playground. Playful and intentional, the StoryWalk brought new families into the library and sparked interest in future collaborations between the park and the library.

www.Facebook.com/TCFoL

Our StoryWalk has been instrumental in providing safe, fun and educational programs in a positive way. Along with our permanent StoryWalk, this year we created a portable StoryWalk to take to community events. We were able to pair our STEM summer reading outreach booth with a space themed StoryWalk. Our local school partnered with us by having students create digital art related to the story theme that we included as QR codes on our StoryWalk panels. Our local astronomy club created beautiful solar system StoryWalk panels for our patrons to learn about the planets. We also use our StoryWalk to feature heritage months to support diversity and cultural awareness in our community. We created an onsite radio station that broadcasts in our library parking lot. We are able to use the radio to play programs that support the topic of our StoryWalk. This facilitates further education and entertainment on the featured topic. Patrons can walk through the StoryWalk and then listen to the program in their car or through portable radios we lend. We recently implemented a StoryWalk with the book "The Boy Who Touched The Stars" featuring the life of astronaut Jose Hernandez. Local students provided digital art related to takeaways from the inspirational story in the form of QR codes, in addition we played an interview with Jose Hernandez on our radio station. We are able to build multiple layers to enhance our programming focus and intention with the base being our StoryWalk program.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1d3pqcGlBt0uTLbDTY52mKxXJrtuslqv3

San Francisco Public Library

IG, Twitter @sfpubliclibrary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfpl.org/

San Francisco Public Library proudly partners with the National Park Service, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and Presidio Trust to bring reading adventures to local trails.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lrFDdjZBfQ-ViTH0WbkKA3URJsIC2095

We love this partnership how together we create free literacy experience for the entire family. We have done a variety of programming with NPS including Ranger's doing a live StoryWalk reading in English, Spanish and Cantonese. This summer, we installed three StoryWalks in local national parks. Author/Artist Shawn Harris joined us in Crissy Field to read the installation of his new book HAVE YOU SEEN A FLOWER (courtesy Chronicle Books) with his puppy named Honey Harris. Happy to chat more!

Santa Barbara Public Library

Facebook: @SantaBarbaraPublicLibrary Instagram: @SBPLibrary

StoryWalk® is a safe, consistent, and welcome approach to promoting early literacy with children and caregivers. We're able to choose books to share that are diverse and that lend well to creating interactions between caregiver and child. We set up StoryWalk® in about 8 different parks around town every month to reach as many neighborhoods as possible.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UdT-_FLt9Rba8FdhFxjjFgrkYLNDtC1V

Our StoryWalks® have been supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. Please mention them in the credit.

Santa Clarita Public Library

https://www.facebook.com/SCVPublicLibrary; https://twitter.com/scvpubliclib https://www.instagram.com/scvpubliclibrary/;

On Thursday, October 21, The Santa Clarita Public Library launched Trail Tales at Duane R. Harte Park. Residents are now able to read a story as they walk along the trails. The kick-off event featured playing with bubbles, soccer, chalk drawing, power washing and more. The event culminated with the librarians hosting a storytime to over 200 people.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1z1aThf17lE7Y_H7xNhFS14YgdGOLD7dG

Our library launched its Trail Tales initiative just a few weeks ago. The response was terrific! You can see a lot of our trail in this promotional instagram reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVRH-85DD44/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet . We have so many other photos that we would love to share with you from the event! We are going to change our story each quarter and throw a storytime party under a giant California Oak on the trail each time. Our community is so excited to have this new ammenity!

We set up our Storywalk at parks when we do our "Rec & Read" stops along with Parks & Recreation. It provides a fun way to connect active, outdoor activities with literacy and learning.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1p7sDyPNi8kXS7oaSWFohsFk7TPPGJ3Ab

Facebook: @BroomfieldPublicLibrary

Our StoryWalk is located in a neighborhood park with a lot of foot traffic just 10 minutes walk away from a Title I elementary school. Families enjoy the story with early literacy activities when they come to the playground or picnic tables. Classes are able to come as multi-grade buddy groups to read together as well. We offered a bilingual book with activities during the summer to support the languages spoken in that neighborhood. It is important to have our StoryWalk as a year-round early literacy opportunity to reach community members who cannot make it to the library either due to schedule or transportation. We change the stories seasonally and each story has custom dialogic reading prompts and early literacy activities for each page.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1U1XzSndJHoZnhwZm-NwzrCj0FrvhSpSf

Our StoryWalk has been in place since 2017. The neighborhood takes a lot of pride in having the StoryWalk there. Whenever we update the story or stop in to maintain the display posts, people stop by to tell us how much they enjoy it and who they have told about it. Lastly, it has been important to have this library presence outdoors during the pandemic to support those with young kids who are most comfortable outside and distanced from others.

Gunnison County Library District

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crestedbuttelibrary/ | @crestedbuttelibrary and Instagram: @crestedbuttelibrary. We do not have a Twitter account.

Our annual summer project is a collaborative effort with The Crested Butte Land Trust, on a trail through land that they take care of. They report approximately 1,000 people utilize the trail every summer! Lot's of people comment about how much they enjoy it. During our summer family activities we remind people to experience it!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11O5OHsa0rg8xHh96uWzU_7qfpBinH_ew

We currently have a new StoryWalk® project surrounding the exterior of our Crested Butte Library. The book is "A Fall Ball for All" by Jamie Swenson. It will stay up until the snow comes! When Jamie found out from her publisher that her book was being used, she called and asked if she could gift us a virtual Story Time! It was a wonderful event!

It is short walking distance from the elementary school and preschool. It's location near the playground is used by many locals and visitors. We've used it as a destination for scavenger hunts.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Vr-Qev1meHPuUPj9EpRb6-9sS61SQPzP

It's fun to receive photos from those enjoying the experience. We include solicitation for photos with offering a "prize".

Rampart Library District - Florissant Public Library

Our StoryWalk attracts people who then come visit us at the library.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nqoX9w6mLI4NkUWzxANRZ3uOZl6MxJL4

Mesa County Libraries - Fruita branch

mesacountylib@facebook/instagram/twitter

It increases our visibility in our community because it is outside the walls of the library. We have out of town guests use the walk when they come to swim, workout or use the community center where the library is located. We have had many positive comments on how much fun the family had visiting the pages of "Duck on a Bike" and how they would visit often when they visited the center. It increased checkouts of that book title plus others that go along with bikes, being outside, and movement.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qPOM-gGZant8VLe6Ba0d87Cq_oEYuLxN

I chose our first ever Storywalk to coincide with Bike Month in Mesa County and the cycling culture that we foster here in Fruita.

Limon Memorial Public Library

FB Limon Memorial Library

The walk has given our library exposure to families from the traveling community as well as those who might think of a library as a place for families. The location of our walk is at the entrance to our park and you must enter by descending a short flight of steps, hence the name of our walk, "Step Into A Story".

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JNDIgfnXHhBgB1ms6k4yy0kMp4vFSyHq

We are a community located along I-70 and have many travelers who stop in our city park. This is just another way to help enhance those visits and give families something else to do while stopping in our community. The local preschool has made a special point of bringing their students on field trips to the story walk.

Bud Werner Memorial Library

Steamboat StoryWalk® was created as a way to inspire parents, teachers, and caregivers to take young children outdoors to combine physical activity with literacy and to enjoy the wonder of story and the outdoors together.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aZz9geWuBHts3q0dS7vCYcgzneukRNkp

Our StoryWalk offers an unique modality for individuals and groups to read a story together outside the home, school and library using our StoryWalk along the community river trail. It reminds the public there are many ways that their public library can reach them with different kinds of prgms.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FYrQWDugdyGNIh11EPB6I9gv5cYVe7WI

Our Storywalk Coding prgm was a collaboration between the Wilkinson Public Library and a local science education organization, the Pinhead Institute. This StoryWalk was completely created during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was quite challenging b/c all the work was done via zoom/emails/phone calls and texts until it was posted for the local K-3 graders to come and enjoy during the month of March. The teachers raved about it b/c they were able to continue building on coding lessons back in their classrooms. Some of the students talked about coding all the way back to school. Too, it was a great outdoor activity that got the students outside during the pandemic which was so important on many educational levels.

Trinidad Carnegie Public Library

https://www.facebook.com/trinidadcarnegiepubliclibrary/

During COVID, we were looking at other ways to reach our community. We wanted to remind people that we were still here and were thinking of them! The StoryWalk® that we have set up in our public park, reaches people on a daily basis. We have visitors to the area who have stopped in to complement us on the story. The compliments have been from all ages and demographics and we have enjoyed listening as patrons talk about what fun they had reading the story. We have it placed in a busy park that hosts after school activities and daily walkers on a busy high traffic street which allows the story to be viewed by parents and little ones that need a distraction. We added extra activities that encourage parent and child engagement as they go through and read each page. The StoryWalk® is an amazing creation and we are so thankful that Anne Ferguson came up with this fabulous way to interact with our community.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_wGxu-if4pMUxyVlnIRmluJloGdPB8zP

Our StoryWalk® was made possible with a grant from Bar NI and our City employees. Our City employees graciously picked up our realtor signs and installed them in the park multiple times and worked with us as we decided the best location.

Facebook & Instagram vail_library

The StoryWalk is and has been a great Covid activity. We have hosted quite a few school groups there as well!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=15AV5OVqFE6-9KjjaVsGTp088r_kl1fKR

We are extremely grateful for the Cares Act Grant that helped make our StoryWalk possible.

Facebook.com/clearviewlibrary

We have two permanent StoryWalk installations in parks in our community. We switch the books every 2 months and feature a StoryWalk Storytime with a take and make kit to launch each new book installation. We love bringing families to the parks to enjoy these storytimes and StoryWalks. This summer we did a butterfly release with our StoryWalk Storytime and featured butterfly life cycle books at both parks. StoryWalks are easy outreach....our patrons are so eager to attend them!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=16oHjzRXmR6NlkhkigxKefbG0UNpXNwL2

We had community partners that paid for and installed our permanent StoryWalk installations; a church and a boy scout troop. We maintain the StoryWalk installations and handle all repairs or upgrades. The park locations are both BEAUTIFUL. We do the StoryWalks and the StoryWalk Storytimes year round. We have had our StoryWalks since 2018.

Our StoryWalk is accessible during hours that the building is not open, and augments our offerings beyond the walls of the library. Our StoryWalk signs were created by a local Eagle Scout and his Troop, with materials donated by local businesses. It was a true community project, created by the community for the benefit of the community.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1e_N9-fakagiM1nsbMisUUH_b9EDf_kC1

Bristol Public Library - Children's Department

@BristolLibraryChildren (Facebook)

Our StoryWalk program occurs twice a month- sometimes inside and other times outside. During these programs our readers and non readers can share a book with their family while moving around and feeling confident in the large Children's Department area of the library. During each StoryWalk the children have a themed bag that is used along the way. At every page stop there is a different, collectible item to keep that is related to the story. This allows the child a chance to retell the story again after leaving the library. These events focus on our Early Childhood group and we creatively strive to promote early literacy and form a foundation of life long readers. Our StoryWalk events have seen a new group of friends coming into the library to try reading in a new way. The StoryWalk program has also been an incredible chance to collaborate with a local artist in our Bristol, CT, community, who has created beautiful art with the children after reading the story. Our library promotes the five early literacy practices. We love programs where our children talk, play, move, sing and read together. Our StoryWalk programs have been able to meet these goals and it has been so nice to see children enjoying this new and exciting way to read a story and participate in an event.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kf96JWZcQJRoNQihYUIBC5Fz0DClrVSs

Our weather in CT is often very chilly - sometimes we host a Story Walk indoors!

@brookfieldlibraryct (Instagram), @brookfieldlib (Twitter) and The Brookfield Library (Facebook)

In October 2020, at the height of the pandemic, our first StoryWalk promoted reading/literacy by allowing families to spend time together safely outdoors while the library was closed to the public. It also helped build community through a shared experience.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XhprKKBtU64eVNTDhDev6fy3JSa20WWL

Our StoryWalk was funded by a generous grant from the Brookfield Education Foundation in June 2020 and was installed in October 2020. Our first installment featured the book, Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds.

East Granby Public Library

https://www.facebook.com/eastgranbypubliclibrary/photos/a.380170134140/10158716453964141/

The East Granby Public Library has offered family hikers the ability to explore nature and literature at our Story Trail. It has given our youth an outlet to express their creativity and display their stories as well.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZZNz_cbxfmN1IQbfsqUC0pH-jKldvj1x

For more info on our Story Trail visit www.egpl.org.

FB: @MilfordPublicLibraryCT; Insta: @milfordpubliclibrary; Twitter: @milfordpublib

Our StoryWalk reinforces the reality that libraries are no longer contained only with the walls of a building. The library is outdoors, it is virtual, libraries are in and a part of the community. Our StoryWalk can be found in a local park, often serendipitously found by hikers and a destination for our library families. It was created in partnership with Boy Scout Troop 1 and with the help of our Public Works, Fire and Recreation Departments. A true community connection from the beginning, it allows us to connect with new community members where they are and inspire a new relationship with their public library.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YjWhsLyLTaBDh4_eIlmh99b_-hTpKeZ2

Families can enjoy a storybook while they walk the trail.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wo9mGye1ugrJley9I6zy9-miPn_Xs0Ru

It's an opportunity for families to read a story together anytime during the week, not just when the library is open. It also invites people to participate in an early literacy activity who may not have thought to visit the library.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=12OKNiE3y1CiQ36aoZ-u-htij-BritUSj

Big Dance written and illustrated by Aoife Greenham, will be available to view from Monday, November 15-November 20th. We will also have a special event on Saturday, November 20, at 2pm for families that would like a group experience of dancing to some music, reading the story together and then trying our own dance moves. Please sign up on our online calendar if you would like to come to the Saturday program at www.rhctlibrary.org.

@SimsburyPublicLibrary on Instagram & Facebook

Our StoryWalk allows us to reach people outside of the library building and beyond our property. The StoryWalk is on a popular walking and biking trail and is seen by many people who may not be library users yet.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1d1mzWWdRsITsfNe3Oaw4UZJkhiT4_m4r

Our StoryWalk is a collboration between the Simsbury Public Library, Parks & Recreation Department and Public Works Department. It is gernerously sponored by the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library.

We have our StoryWalk in an outdoor space where the weekly farmer's market meets and where we hope to establish a new park.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=10Lq3qdivBT_Foafo1xLjm0BCS1lfVsER

Greenwood Public Library

@GreenwoodPublicLibraryDE

Community members have access to children's literature any time of the day at our Story Strolls.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jLWXeN_9zP13yuP5xKaSkwc9X7uzl4Eb

Author Illona Holland was able to share her book, 'Buddy Bison's Yellowstone Adventure' with our story time children as a Story Stroll at the Greenwood Public Library and captured their attention with the beautiful illustrations.

Facebook & Instagram - @bocalibrary; Twitter - @bocarecreation

The Boca Raton Public Library installed our 2 StoryWalks during the pandemic and they have been a wonderful way to share great books with our community while we were unable to do in-person story times. Moving forward, we are excited that our StoryWalks will help us meet our community where they are, while they are visiting one of the parks or nature trails where the StoryWalks are installed.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gWYn4egN_tutGu_VVNd5rf3EOTkTm7og

Clay County Public Library System

facebook.com/ClayCtyLibrary, Twitter - @ClayLibrary, Instagram - @ClayCoFL

When our library system shut down in response to COVID, we installed four StoryWalks in parks throughout our County. These self-directed activities are safe, family-friendly options for families who cannot currently visit the public library for children's programming. Additionally, some families who could not attend library programs in the past (due to a conflict in scheduling, transportation, etc.) are now able to engage in purposeful play with their child at their local park. We include questions or activities with each story page to prompt conversation, encourage observation and dramatic play, and promote physical activity. We partnered with our local municipalities to select parks and trails that would be easy to access and highlight green spaces across the County. While we are still waiting for an opportunity to return to full-time in-person programming in our libraries, we hope that our StoryWalks will continue to educate children, empower caregivers, and entertain families for years to come.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aRYe7FixAmkoJ6e_LCIgLNaio7O7IzEw

Our StoryWalk project was funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as an outdoor activity for small groups that encourages physical distancing.

Wakulla County Public Library

We use QR codes that link to videos of my coworker and myself reading that story board.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=19U7nfneH0zZ0it1o-Z0LMRmb1Ym8pi7d

The funds to implement this project were provided by our wonderful friends group.

Our story walk is located at a community park a couple miles from the library where families gather to play sports and walk the parameter.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SdbPJjGRf7MYjczIqWF3Za4_IkNucOHU

New Port Richey Public Library

@nprlibrary facebook.com/NPRPublicLibrary

We will often host events at the park and invite attendees to complete the StoryWalk® as part of the event. It's very popular!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1KPFoZZmsQ1MrlXfH3mzc86SEItvxgu17

We installed our StoryWalk® in March of 2020, which ended up being just in time for the rest of the world to shut down due to Covid-19. The timing of it was good for our community, as people had something outdoors that they could safely participate in that encouraged both physical activity and reading. We have since changed it out a few times and hands down, my favorite part is when I encounter people on the trail that tell me how much they enjoy bringing their kids or grandkids and how much they look forward to the new stories being featured. I've been a librarian for almost a decade and this was something I had wanted to do since I started my career. I'm so glad it finally came to fruition!

Orange County Library System

Facebook: Orange County Library System (FL) @oclslib // Library Twitter: @oclslibrary // Instagram: #ocls

StoryWalks allow the library to reach the community in unexpected places. In response to the pandemic in 2020, OCLS transitioned its programs to the digital environment. Aware of the digital divide that separated many of our families from access, an effort was made to find people in the communities where they lived and played. OCLS invested in materials to create pop-up StoryWalk events in our local parks and schools. Since the first event in October 2020, OCLS has brought these mobile literacy experiences with extension activities to over 3,750.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_RpakuQv0W2pRdRV_P4ackQK-SVB8g9G

In searching for places to host StoryWalks we have found new partners throughout the county. The simplicity of hosting a walk proved to be a fantastic first collaboration, that has opened many doors.

Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library

@FriendsofHBHLibrary ; @helenbhoffman ; @helenbhoffmanplantationlibrary

At a time when not all of our families are comfortable inside, StoryWalk offers a chance to enjoy a story and a library visit outdoors.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1NmmiOJiFNSXkD5c6tvZ99Imj3119s2F9

During our pandemic shutdown we had to relocate our library to a temporary location in a Parks and Rec building so structural work could be completed at the library building. Staff used a StoryWalk to introduce our patrons to our new location before we were able to re-open to the public.

Safety Harbor Public Library

https://www.facebook.com/SafetyHarborLib, https://www.instagram.com/safetyharborlib/

StoryWalk promotes literacy and being outdoors everyday, even when the the library is closed. Our community loves it and looks forward to a new book every month.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r-jD42fqLhjdeX640ogmg-g_15A_4YxW

Safety Harbor joined the StoryWalk® movement in December 2020, a project to promote early literacy and family time together in nature. StoryWalk® is an innovative and fun way for children and adults to enjoy reading under the shade of the oaks in the Art Park, even when the Library is closed.

During the early months of COVID in 2020, temporary StoryWalks® were installed using recycled political signs. The community support was so positive, we wanted a stable solution. Sixteen permanent posts, each with a page from a children’s book are now located the park behind the Library.

Instagram @tavareslibrary facebook @Tavarespubliclibrary

Our StoryWalk Poetry Walk is an intriguing focal point in front of the library. By placing the Poetry Walk near the library entrance, we draw people toward the doors as they move along the poem. We hope to promote greater interest in the library poetry collection and show that poetry is fun. The Library is tying this Poetry Walk to a raffle. Everyone who completes a short 3 question survey about the poem is entered in a raffle to be held at the end of the week.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14MGHHOGPL4RV9uB4vNs_9rfeJpY69d3_

Sequoyah Regional Library System

Facebook: @SequoyahRegionalLibrary Instagram: @sequoyahregionallibrary Twitter: @SequoyahRegLib

Our Trail Stories are a great way to passively reach new users through engaging stories and corresponding activities (things to do as community members walk from sign-to-sign). Our signage also includes a digital guest book and QR codes to library social media platforms and resources, which helps them get connected or start signing up for a library card!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XqrKC8vhQ5VfJZ878ID9iv5BbLpz7Ztz

We have blossoming partnerships with out local parks & rec deparments to help spread storywalk in our community. We are so thankful for them!

Sequoyah Regional Library System

Cherokee, Pickens, & Gilmer County

Facebook: @SequoyahRegionalLibrary / Twitter: @SequoyahRegLib / Instagram: @sequoyahregionallibrary

A collaboration between Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) and local parks, Trail Story is a project aimed at giving elementary school children and their families a fun, active, and socially-safe way to read a book and enjoy trails at the same time! SRLS has done eight (8) month-long Trail Story programs in 2021, featuring signs with storybook pages on one side and interactive QR code book-review questions on the other side. Trail Stories have enhanced SRLS outreach by transporting the library's catalog and programming to popular areas in the community. Families are enriched by the library outside its walls and are motivated to visit their local branch afterward.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vXE4sl9v1-RML1HgZMNOczM3OzzKVxlC

SRLS is excited to continue Trail Story in 2022 and beyond!

Our school borders a neighborhood and community park, so we were able to advertise our StoryWalk to the families of the neighborhood and the whole community that uses the park to come walk in the evenings and weekends and discover a story outside that also encouraged them to exercise! We did the StoryWalk in conjunction with Read Across America the first week of March and chose the book "The Gardener" by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small. It was a huge success and we look forward to promoting a new one this fall!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ClWNOhr2T1UbkqUuqPWIpUOjZLkQe3E8

Because we did the StoryWalk in the spring and chose a book about gardening, we had hoped to include a "seed exchange" station at the end of the walk. Being able to figure out a way to securely implement this without vandalism caused us to postpone that idea.

leads to the library from the children's playground in the park, and vice versa ( two-sided)

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ENbHOTwK74SWtYSWqlfU8D_o-L_e5uOH

This particular storywalk was a rhyming story created and illustrated by a senior at Lake City HS (Lydia Howard) for her senior project. It was also an Earth Day theme. She is planning to become and architect.

mld.org ; all social media see meridianlibrary

Memory Lane: A Story Trail for all Generations opened at Julius M. Kleiner Park in Meridian, Idaho on March 11, 2020. The trail stretches around the 1/4 mile walking path located next to the Senior Center. The featured book will be changed periodically, and we will feature books from the past (1970s or before), that will help seniors reminisce and share books from their past with younger generations. The first book was Frog Went A-Courtin, based on a Scottish ballad that is at least 400 years old. The current book is Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11OmHmYudQ7_e1gCCmikm6HXLyqpwtKBr

The Memory Lane Story Walk was established in partnership with Meridian Parks and Recreation as well as the Mayors Youth Advisory Council and the Mayors Senior Advisory Council. The project was funded by a grant from Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation.

John Mosser Public Library District

@JohnMosserPublicLibraryDistrict

Our StoryWalk has helped increase the number of children who come in to visit as they really like receiving their prize for telling their favorite part. We've also had an increase in people coming in because they have heard about the StoryWalk and know that they can access it even when the Library is closed. The StoryWalk has also given some people something to talk about when they come in.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HrMG8cbNSn2SkF3OnLWfPptLuBFFRasn

Facebook @addisonlibrary; Twitter @AddisonPubLib; Instagram @addisonpubliclibrary

It allows us to provide a story out in the public with one of our partners, Addison Park District. It combines the outdoors, exercise, and reading in one activity for families. Our signs are branded with the library's and park district's logos so our Trail Tales are good promotional pieces out in the community.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1093x2Pi2jeYE5RzhkXyKaeLIESTrK1ct

We call our StoryWalk(R) Trail Tales and have 2 stories each summer. Each story is up for 5-6 weeks to allow families time to visit the park where the Trail Tale is and enjoy the walk while reading. We used to put the stories at the same park but this year we experimented with switching parks when we switched stories to allow more families to enjoy our Trail Tales.

Instagram @bplbatavia, Twitter @BataviaPL, Facebook Batavia Public Library of Illinois

Along with hosting Story Strolls available for the public on special days of the month, we also invite a preschool group to take a stroll through together

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1W_uR2mzcy69EFOEcWxaEiTeyim7Hyy0y

https://www.facebook.com/berkeleylibil/

Our StoryWalk is located in a high-traffic public park away from the library building- a location that enables us to make a valuable connection with families unfamiliar with our library's collection and services.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11I-t3GZDfMQqqzDmR5LkMI_G4gtn7zqE

Fountaindale Public Library

Fountaindale Library’s Outreach Services serve a large and diverse community of preschool and elementary families in Bolingbrook – on its Bookmobile at the local elementary schools; at storytimes held in collaboration with our community partners such as IKEA, the Bolingbrook Historical Museum or the Park District and at the dozen or more preschools and daycare centers in town; as well as at special community events held throughout the year – all to ensure children's successful language and literacy development and to help bridge the gap between home and school often experienced by culturally diverse students and families. Beginning in 2014, we began offering a popular series of Story Strolls in several of our local parks each summer as a way to combine the benefits of physical activity, time outdoors in nature, early literacy, and family time as well as to promote our Summer Reading Program (incentivize by creating a program to draw in audiences at the same time as providing a storytime that will COUNT towards the reading goal, thus making SRP registration a destination event). Although we set up pages (temporarily) along the paths in the same manner as “traditional” Story Walks, our Outreach staff also provides a mini activity at every page as they lead families through the story: a puppet show, a flannel board rhyme, sign language, yoga activity, shaker egg song, an activity song (Outreach staff carry their iPod speaker on their back or in a fanny pack). This immersive interaction is similar to our other Outreach programs targeted to children except we can spread out and physically be active unlike in the classroom or daycare setting. Plus it’s welcoming to families with children in strollers (indoor venues are not as conducive). And it adds a different aspect to their exercise (following directions, waiting patiently, etc), instead of just running ahead to see the next page. Our community has embraced the concept so much that it was very difficult to have to revert the program to passive viewing during the pandemic. Story Strolls have enhanced our Outreach to preschool/school families by contributing to school readiness (helping during the summer “bridge”, learning how to follow a story in sequence) and inspiring parents, teachers, and other caregivers (entire daycare groups have attended our programs) to take young children outdoors to enjoy reading stories together. We often see completely different attendees than are seen at our other Outreach events at our community partners’ locations. Regular patrons tell us these programs get them outside of their four walls, so it’s nice to be able to demonstrate that we are integrated in the community. And that we celebrate families!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JW5Afqk8RinCgS2ppz2lEebNygu6n80F

Bourbonnais Public Library District

https://www.facebook.com/bourbonnaispubliclibrarydistrict https://www.instagram.com/bourbonnaispubliclibrary/ https://twitter.com/bookbonnais

Our StoryWalk deepens our connection with the Bourbonnais Park District, allows the library to connect with patrons outside of the building, and helps visitors connect reading, physical activity and outdoor exploration.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1R3w45kHRRn_DYmc5hu_V1FjEGL0Dhs4l

Byron Public Library District

www.facebook.com/byronpubliclibrary/ , @byronpubliclibrary

It has been a great partnership with our local forest preserve! The wood shop at the preserve made the posts and install them each season. The library purchases and books, pays for the lamination and installs them. We launched our StoryWalk® in May 2020, and we were so thankful that we were able to offer something to our library users that didn't require registration! Most of our kit pick ups and outdoor programs fill up very quickly! And our drop in STEM table, as well as our toys are put away due to COVID concerns. The StoryWalk® is accessible to anyone at anytime!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OP3W-HNq_hTkIX5g7XKvqrYLRGJDlgLY

Our trail is unique in that it is a 1/2 mile loop through prairie and forest! It is great to see how the foilage changes through the spring and fall!

Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library

We first added it the summer of 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on story times. We called ours a Walk and Read. People of all ages enjoyed reading the stories. It has become a regular summer event for us.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=13vod1p6utZ94Pajzt2hOcYAgBmCtkQ3O

During such uncertain times, it is nice to have something positive and joyful to share with our patrons.

Catlin Public Library District

It is placed at the local park in the birth to 8 playground. Families who are not yet using the library may learn about us when they go to the park.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-RYymiZlfIG51M3kVb3ttVk500_iiK-B

Chatham Area Public Library

Our StoryWalk® is affixed to our Library’s southern set of windows; it begins at our south entrance and meanders its way north. The book is changed monthly, and the StoryWalk® contains not only the book pages but discussion questions and suggested at-home activities.

The idea and execution came about when our building was closed due to the pandemic during the spring and summer of 2020. Our Youth Services Team was offering virtual content for our young patrons and families, but they wanted to create a way to encourage reading, discussing, and moving during a time when our building and in-person programming couldn’t happen. Our StoryWalk® was a way of providing a library space and some literacy love in a new way, and it has continued during the warmer months, even as our building has reopened.

Families can come to the Library, read a StoryWalk® story together, have a picnic, and play on the parking lot obstacle course…even if the Library’s closed. The StoryWalk® has been a way for us to enhance our outreach by offering a conversation-provoking "storytime" that is available to community members 24-7.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rqzParZSgLP256Q-ItEleTm_LnrvLqSr

The laminated big books are appealing and really make the artistry of children’s literature take center stage in our StoryWalk®. Small details that might disappear in a traditionally sized picture book take on new depth and increase kids’ visual literacy.

Our feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Our Library is positioned within a residential area and families have reported walking up and biking over to take advantage of the StoryWalk®. We think Anne Ferguson would be pleased to see the ways her brainchild is encouraging literacy and active lifestyles in Chatham, Illinois.

We also created a commercial to promote our StoryWalk®! Feel free to have a look at https://youtu.be/kB5ELavbzt0.

Chicago Ridge Public Library

@chicagoridgelibrary @chicagoridgelib

I liked that we were able to work collaboratively with the Chicago Ridge Park District to hold an event for our community. Especially during COVID, it is great to find activities that can take place outside and this was the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, read a book, make a craft, and have some fun! The book tied in perfectly too with the Harvest Moon that took place on September 20th.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1u2_nQH06xT4JGwBjLW5GbZvsnhEir-2g

We read the story "I Took the Moon for a Walk" Written by Carolyn Curtis
Illustrated by Alison Jay Arabic Translation by Wafa’ Tarnowska Published by Barefoot Books Dual language published by Mantra Lingua in English and Arabic as we walked along the path by the park. We made a moon craft, viewed the night sky through a telescope, and helped light up the sky with glow sticks and glow in the dark bookmarks as we celebrated the Harvest Moon. Everyone enjoyed an evening outdoors together sharing the love of reading. Before we know it the weather will be turning colder and we will not be able to be outdoors for programs so it was the perfect time to share a book and a craft with our community.

FB: @chillipld; Insta: chilli_library

Our StoryWalk® is made possible in partnership with the Chillicothe Park District and local design company, Owens Design Group. By partnering with the park district we are able to expand our reach to community members who would not ordinarily interact with the library. The StoryWalk also serves to promote the ample parks, nature trails, and outdoor amenities the community has to offer. And through our partnership with Owens Design Group, we are able to support a local business and foster community success and growth.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1y1rNMJKpAg7oSWeNuy2MdAXhkBHNn3y7

Crete Public Library District

@cretelibraryyouthservices; @cpldyouthservices

Our StoryWalk is located outside our library. We started our StoryWalk with the hopes to create greater family engagement, encourage them to get moving outdoors, and, of course, READ! It is always so exciting to see and hear patrons walking along the path, reading together. We hope to expand this to other parts of the community to reach patrons wherever they may be.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1iXAsDmstCeoElnIFdtciCfwK-BKb8WiL

Des Plaines Public Library

https://www.facebook.com/DPLibrary, https://www.instagram.com/des.plaines.library/, https://twitter.com/dppl

Des Plaines Public Library has been thrilled to partner with Des Plaines Park District for our StoryWalk project. We have had feedback from community members that enjoyed visiting the StoryWalks at the parks in our area, and we will continue to install them at different sites, featuring different books with corresponding activities. An unexpected benefit throughout the pandemic was the outreach they created as instant outdoor programs, as well as a way for families, camps, daycares, and other small groups to safely meet up for a walk and a bit of fun when gathering became safe again.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tmBkk8zUcw-AWsGeG4QWdbQ3pPlMGO-n

Fox River Valley Public Library District

We organized our StoryWalk® during the pandemic in order for our community to stay engaged with our library. As the space is operated and sustained by Dundee Township, it also served as a partnership opportunity.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1TiFcUVHQU5tG1iiuvGV82iomLfeQt22o

As a substantial amount of our community is Spanish speaking, our StoryWalk® also features a bilingual translation on the other side of each panel.

EffinghamPL (Facebook) @EffLibrary (Twitter) @effinghamlibrary (Instagram)

We wanted our community to explore our downtown local businesses while also getting some exercise by walking around to find each page of our book. We hope that this allowed families to spend quality time together while also supporting our local businesses.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Q0Rrq-6cs1aWObKYZ4Dk1ePu1S3Xh5zZ

We've done two different Downtown Book Walks this month and both have been a success. We shared two Bill Martin Jr./Eric Carle books, which were some of my personal favorites when I was a child, and we got to share that with our community. It was a fun and interactive activity for our community and I hope we can do another one soon. Our local businesses were amazing to work with and I hope our collaboration brought them more business, while also encouraging Early Literacy.

Gail Borden Public Library

Facebook and Instagram: @gailbordenpubliclibrary; Twitter: @gailbrdnlibrary

In partnership with local community organizations such as Alignment Collaborative for Education, the City of Elgin, Elgin Partnership for Early Learning (EPEL) and Gail Borden Public Library, we created and installed four mobile StoryWalk® sets that travel throughout the Elgin community. Examples of locations for these StoryWalk® sets include: six neighborhood parks, schools, the local zoo, library Bookmobile stops, and the Riverwalk behind the Main Branch of our library.

Our purpose with this project was to meet our district’s child and family needs- in-person, safe engagement with literacy and stories (especially during the pandemic). We are conscious of our diverse population of serving over 145,000 residents, with 45% Spanish speakers; thus, each story we chose was bilingual. Equity of resources was a significant goal, as it relates to Kindergarten readiness and early elementary school performance.
Families enjoyed (and will continue to enjoy!) engaging with the stories at all locations. The StoryWalk® sets combine the love of reading with outdoors and family connection. At a storytime event at the zoo, families participated in the StoryWalk® after the program was over. At educational classes in the park, the StoryWalk® enhanced language and literacy, as well as social emotional learning. Not to mention encouraged physical development with walking!

This StoryWalk® project is relevant, educational, and highly visible to our large community. We are proud to create a child and family literacy service that aligns with our library’s vision, as well as the missions of all our local partners. And will continue for years to come!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gfDM8Vdp61mZPYA0ZlYYuwKnn1ldiBHr

-We chose 4 stories, and were conscious of diversity in terms of race/ethnicity of author/illustrator, race/ethnicity in illustrations, diversity in illustration/artistic style, diversity in terms of themes, and diversity in several other forms. We did not want 4 books that were similar to each other, and featured only white people and animals.
-It was a huge endeavor! We had an excellent staff member plan, design, and implement the StoryWalk® project, and she deserves recognition. She is happy to share any of her knowledge and experience with others.

Gail Borden Public Library District

Facebook - @gailbordenpubliclibrary Twitter, @gailbrdnlibrary

At Rakow Branch Library we have a beautiful outdoor space and the StoryWalk encourages and invites families to explore the natural setting together while reading a nature-related story.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qqTcMj9PoDA7hbwiSBPp5-L0v27n2Uxv

Our StoryWalk is a community collaboration. Conceived by a local scout for his Eagle Scout project, the Elmhurst Public Library and Elmhurst Park District supported his efforts to promote early literacy, physical activity, and family time in nature within our community. The Library assisted in choosing the story and creating the story panels, while the Park District permitted the use of one of their parks. The Eagle Scout prototyped the display panels, coordinated with stakeholders, raised funds, and built the display stands as part of his project.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Tx5gkwZb4htxhiApbKyz8Kl-u-cxuRyB

Facebook: Evanston Public Library, Twitter: evanstonpl

Our StoryWalk® serves to reach patrons of our city that may not always have the time or resources to access our building. We want to be able to provide oppor We have stationed several stories outside at a local park, our sister branch, Robert Crown, which is located inside our community center, the local ecology center and in the courtyard of our local senior center.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1A2LqgwyCFIBRy6M-ePQ5Mfi0RIa7W8yT

@EvergreenParkPublicLibrary, @epplibrary, @epplibrary

Our Storywalk is a permanent storywalk in one of our parks that has a walking path. We change the story 4 times a year, once each season. After we change the story, we have a special storytime where we walk the storywalk as a group. Our storywalk also has activity suggestions on each page. So kids are encouraged to run, twirl, skip, etc., to the next page; or they are asked to find something on the page or share something about the story with the person they are with. We add a lot of interactive elements to the storywalk to keep children moving and thinking.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jb2hW41-J60XEjI3bOAsULkorz-Tq_gK

This photo was taken in the summer during our special Storywalk story time, on a drizzly day.

https://www.facebook.com/GalesburgPL and https://www.instagram.com/galesburgpubliclibrary/

Our Storywalk allows us to provide services to our community even when our physical building is closed. As our Storywalk is located offsite at a nearby community park, it also allows us to bring more people into the library by promoting library programs and services via flyers inserted at the end of the Storywalk. It's a win-win for us and for the community.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xfLDQ9RWBSwBaFsB0AOfi3mxDe-GhKzA

Geneva Public Library District

Insta: @genevalibrary Twitter: @Geneva_Library

Our StoryWalks provide a high degree of visibility. They are natural conversation starters and literally extend our library beyond the walls of our building; this makes the StoryWalk experience an integral component in enhancing our Community Engagement.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1niYLN2CeS8MhKvsUPP7HCTF5efKGn_6c

We had the opportunity to include our young patrons in the creation of their own StoryWalk! Having kids create their own stories got the whole family excited about the process from start to finish.

Glen Carbon Centennial Library

@glencarboncentenniallibrary

Our StoryWalk begins at our front door and winds through a city park on the other side of our parking lot. The park is home to many games and events and people see the StoryWalk and tell others about it or go through it with their families.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1y_v12LWR_Z95sk7hnx8LONbF9V4EcwS-

https://www.facebook.com/GlenEllynPL/, https://twitter.com/glenellynPL, https://www.instagram.com/glenellynpl/

Our Storywalk was created through a collaboration with the Glen Ellyn Park District, Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn, and the Glen Ellyn Public Library. Having our permanent Storywalk installed in one of the local parks has allowed us to do outreach programs like storytime in that park, character appearances, and "Ping-pong-palooza" beyond our four walls. We appreciate being able to have a space where people are reminded of the library, even if they are not in our physical space.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xefv2r8e-7U3x1Nzu6g1FNjPHTiIUwJD

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlenPubLib/ Instagram/Twitter: @glenpublib

Our StoryWalk is a fantastic partnership between the library and the Glenview Park District, who hosts our StoryWalk at Little Bear Garden, which features a garden walk, sand area, splash pad, and playground.

The library is able to reach families out and about in Glenview because Little Bear Garden is located right next to The Glen, one of premier shopping areas. We also provide a QR code survey with our StoryWalk for families to offer feedback and enter to win a raffle prize for visiting StoryWalk.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qG0BdHjSD8p1gr5K7RN2F3DR7iO7uAnI

Please let me know if you have more questions!

Facebook - Greenville Public Library

Families who may never set foot in the library, have an opportunity to share in a reading/bonding experience with their family that encourages them to visit the library.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1O7faRfB4-B62r2OTQnhBEzJXGvRALQU0

Our library has partnered with the local park district and with the local school's pre-kindergarten program to put up the StoryWalk® . The park district allows us to set up along one of their trails. We purchase the books and outdoor velcro to attach the laminated pages to the signs the pre-k program bought. The pre-k program also has an event one afternoon where their families to go on the StoryWalk® and participate in an activity to extend the story.

Harrisburg Public Library District

The StoryWalk provides a way for us to engage our patrons even when they aren't at the library. Several people stumble upon our StoryWalk while enjoying a day at our local park.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rbv25DkRHE8u90LV13ox0GElquP_xKX_

This has also been a wonderful way to collaborate with our local park district and offered a wonderful option for families during COVID.

@HarvardDigginsLibrary (Facebook)

The Harvard Community Storywalk is an excellent way for families in our community to get active and reading together. Located in Lions Park right outside the Library, the StoryWalk encourages literacy through engaging stories presented in both English and Spanish.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=16OsFeGnpF_65QTuxyQaYnyCGIdjEfk2v

Our StoryWalk was provided by a generous gift from the H'Arts (Harvard Arts) organization and installation was provided by volunteer workers Pep Saucedo and Joel Kriete. Community members continue to provide sponsorship for ongoing monthly StoryWalk book selections.

Eisenhower Public Library District

Twitter/Instagram: @ikelib / Facebook: @eisenhowerlibrary

Our Story Walk & Draw event enticed many community members to walk the story path. While the program was aimed at families with kids, a number of adults who weren't intending on availing themselves of the Library being on lunch breaks or on the way to/from bus stops took the time to read the different stories as they went up. In addition, many individuals took advantage of the chalk boards to leave positive encouraging messages to the community during this time of extra stress due to the pandemic.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1inqQmpuWeRjMwVbkjUzS_pAm_IbOWErq

Our program was a "Walk, Read, & Draw" program with 20 "sunflower plants" that went around the Library property. Each " sunflower plant" featured a part of a retelling of a traditional myth, legend, or folktale by staff framed in a small blossom. The center of the large blossom was a chalkboard. Participants were encouraged draw a picture that corresponds to the story text using the supplied chalk before going to the next "plant." The tale switched out every couple of weeks.

Homer Township Public Library

facebook is Homer Township Public Library @ Homerlibrary and Instagram is #homerlib

One of our little free libraries are also at the same park so there is alot happening! We include the storywalk with every reading program that we have.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OVwbu4gjbrHOUdAV2mPX8zEPB-puRwry

StoryWalk has greatly enhanced our outreach as we plan events to correspond around the book theme for each month. Several times a year we have a "big" community event at the location of our StoryWalk, which is a community lake in our city. We include opportunities at the stations for patrons to come back to the library to pick up a Take and Make craft or turn in a coloring page, etc. which engages the community and also brings them into the library where they in turn will use other library services.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=156tq9VIhKjHAxiY-R_rWTWM7ChDG-ZWh

Our StoryWalk is a much loved addition to our Library and to our community. We have people or businesses sponsor the book each month and we are fully booked through the end of this year and the entirety of next year. We are so pleased that our community member have embraced StoryWalk.

Facebook: @LaGrangePublicLibrary Instagram: @librarylagrange

This StoryWalk was a great opportunity to partner with local businesses in the downtown area near our library. The StoryWalk path goes all around downtown, and patrons are encouraged to visit local businesses as they read the story in store windows.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_4vwPmFcMA-7ep3cAlCdQKFBRmJtPvea

StoryWalk has created an opportunity for us to have a greater conversation with our community about our Library and engage with them on a personal level. StoryWalk is provides the ability for us to take our library services out into the community and share our love of reading and education.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GITVKTo5Jvovc3KDGDNrO0TwOBtVfWot

Our StoryWalk we displayed the book "Snowmen at Night" by Carolyn Buehner in the store front windows of downtown Lake Bluff for the month of December 2020. It was a great way for families to participate in a library program safely during the height of the pandemic.

Brings patrons to library and other outdoor venues. Collaboration with schools.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1CaTaA-oreZfK-r1yOSsONTH8wzmJ_5DY

not just for kids and families; dog walkers have enjoyed them, too.

Our "A Path with Poems to Ponder" poetry walk provides a program opportunity for patrons in offsite locations. In addition to encouraging physical exercise, our path adds a component of literary enjoyment. Our poetry walk was displayed at a senior apartment community and an assisted living community in our service area. It will be moved to our library location soon.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LMZZNSW-lA24q4HFf1k7E7Amysl8GBLn

We have used Storywalks to supplement our regular programming, and used our most recent storywalk for an interactive craft activity during a downtown event.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qjDZAlQ4Zq-zPfGY2nvkUGupE9rqmo7n

The community is very supportive of the StoryWalk program. We recently lent a storywalk to the park district for their dog park and we are working with local daycares to add storywalks at their centers. When one poster went missing, we simply posted it on Facebook and we were reunited quickly. It's been a great community builder!

https://www.facebook.com/MarionCarnegieLibrary and https://www.instagram.com/marioncarnegielibrary/

StoryWalk® helps strengthen the ties between Marion Carnegie Library, local businesses, and our community. We love that the StoryWalk® is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week for community members to enjoy regardless of our library operating hours, and our community members really enjoy the ability to take advantage of the program with no pressure to use other library services.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZEQeLQ_hBPm_2duqfcqWj-8vynRTRhQ6

www.facebook.com/mortonlibrary/ ; @mortonlibrary (Instagram)

Our StoryWalk(R) is installed in a park adjoining the public pool and one of the grade schools. We've heard from patrons that it's popular with children waiting for siblings in swimming lessons, and that at least one classroom goes for a walk to read the story together when it updates.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1mRDBkc6JIGtFz1nKT87oNOBY5xEh1fU7

This photo came to us with the note that the older brother thought we should rename the StoryWalk(R) a StoryRun because he ran from panel to panel.

Morton Grove Public Library

Facebook: @MortonGrove Public Library; Twitter: @MGPLib; Instagram: mgplib

Our StoryWalk(R) has been a way to reach our patrons during the pandemic. Through shutdowns and scary times, our patrons have been able to interact with the library and know that we care. Young, old, and in between -- sharing a story matters.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WDYGrTBH6wYCJLg3mSiRCV8G8_7h0kE7

In the winter of 2020, our StoryWalk(R) went live with Corduroy outside the library's building. We've swapped out the stories each month since then, and even taken it on summer fieldtrips to the parks in Morton Grove.
December 2020: Corduroy by Don Freeman
January 2021: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
February 2021: Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy
March 2021: A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young
April 2021: If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
May 2021: The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
June 2021: Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
July 2021: Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
August 2021: Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
September 2021: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
October 2021: Skulls! by Blair Thornburgh (forthcoming)
November 2021: You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith (forthcoming)

@naperlib for IG/Twitter; "Naperville Public Library" on Facebook

StoryWalk programs allow us to bring the library out of our buildings and promote literacy in the community. A big part of promoting libraries is reminding people that they have this amazing free resource available to them. Putting up a StoryWalk allows us to reach customers where they are, engages families in a unique way and reminds them that the library is there whenever they need us.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1N8vYuBR4MN4HJLyWgcv9FpOan_n9DIIw

Having StoryWalk programs during the pandemic allowed us to stay connected to our customers when we were not able to provide other programming options. We have also partnered with other community organizations like the Naperville Park District (park district facility pictured in photo) to put on StoryWalk events. This helps us build stronger bonds with other local community organizations while fostering relationships with even more community members than we could have reached on our own.

https://www.facebook.com/newlenoxlibrary, https://www.instagram.com/nlplkids/

Our Storybook Walk allows us to bring great books and library information to folks who are using the New Lenox Commons area. Between the businesses and organizations located around this circle, and the people who use the spot for recreation, we are able to reach many patrons. It was also a wonderful opportunity to partner with the Village of New Lenox, who purchased and installed the frames as permanent structures. We change out our book several times each year.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RshTLWEz9Qx0jsrpOwQKpo2tp-ckbEUZ

Illinois State University’s Milner Library and Thomas Metcalf School’s Library

Instagram: @isumilnerlib, Twitter: @ISUMilnerLib, Facebook: Milner Library - Illinois State University @ISUMilnerLib

Our StoryWalk® enhanced our outreach services by being part of a highly collaborative effort with campus and community partners to celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21st, 2021. Illinois State University's Milner Library partnered with the Department of Health Sciences and the Thomas Metcalf Library, a school library within one of the university laboratory schools. A central focus of events was a StoryWalk® of the book, Peace and Me by Ali Winter, which introduces readers to winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. The StoryWalk® was displayed on the university quad for a full week. During this time, students, staff, and faculty participated in the walk, and classes from Thomas Metcalf School came over to participate. On September 21st, students within a Health Sciences undergraduate course tabled next to the StoryWalk®. They provided information on the history and goals of the International Day of Peace, had community members sign a peace banner detailing what peace means to them, and distributed peace bookmarks illustrated by Thomas Metcalf students. Participants were also made aware of both print copies of the selected book, as well as an unlimited access e-book available at Milner Library.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-jR6F-ovIYvG6hVqg7taoPPgKhKqwBhI

Facebook: @normalpl; Twitter: @NPLTweets; Instagram: @normalpubliclibrary

StoryWalks encourage our community to explore several area parks. By coordinating with our local parks & rec department, we are able to rotate through different parks throughout the summer and fall. Our StoryWalks are available for at least two weeks at a time to give our patrons multiple opportunities to engage with the stories and activities during the park's open hours. StoryWalks allow us to serve hundreds of community members in a safe, socially-distanced manner.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1VRGT-9nKcdMXb8LORFkvNjZ3ZfS0s37h

We use a QR code that links to a Google Form to solicit feedback from StoryWalk attendees. Here are some responses: We LOVED it! Thanks for being so interactive.; My two year old twins loved it! Super cute! Thank you for doing it!; It was great and was very entertaining for the 6,12, and 14 year old and the mom.; So fun! We didn't even know this park existed!; Keep doing these, we love them!

Facebook - Oregon Public Library @oregonillinoislibrary Twitter-@oregonlibraryInstagram-@oregonpubliclibrary

We are a small Carnegie library with limited space servicing a community of approximately 4000 residents. Our StoryWalk is located at a community park adjacent to K-12th grade school district, walking /biking trail, multiple subdivisions, soccer fields, skateboard park , amphitheater and playgrounds. The StoryWalk allows community members and visitors to enjoy a story while experiencing the natural world around them. It is a delightful introduction to a good story usually available in print at our lIbrary and presents basic information regarding our library and community.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1p-M1qUIpTcrMRXDudTBxewMMnXZL_SkY

The creation of our StoryWalk was a collaborative effort between our Library, local park district and financial grant from a local business. It was officially opened in August 2020 and stories are changed out monthly....even during the snowy winter months!