Brookfield Library Unveils StoryWalk

Press release from the Brookfield Library:

Nov. 2, 2020

The Brookfield Library has unveiled an innovative and delightful way for families to enjoy reading together: a StoryWalk.

StoryWalk® combines physical activity with literacy and is a unique way to get people of all ages out walking while reading children’s picture books. Pages of a book are enlarged and transformed into laminated signs that are then laid out on a trail inviting families, children, caregivers, teachers and others to follow the path of the pages.

The Brookfield Library was awarded a grant for the project by the Brookfield Education Foundation. Debbie Brooks, Head of Children’s Services, championed the project, and said “With the social distancing restrictions put on families during the pandemic, I was looking for a way to keep children and families engaged in reading, while also giving them a destination to enjoy the outdoors and do something different. The StoryWalk was the perfect fit.” The grant covered all of the expenses to create a portable StoryWalk that Mrs. Brooks hopes will be enjoyed by many families throughout all the seasons of the year, not only at the library, but also potentially at Town Hall, Kids Kingdom, Cadigan Beach and any of Brookfield Schools. Brookfield Library Director Yvonne Cech added, “Mrs. Brooks searched through many, many books before coming up with just the right one for the first StoryWalk and she hit it out of the park with her selection! She also incorporated some fun literacy activities to enhance the experience. This is an activity we know will be enjoyed by residents for years to come. Stop in and take a stroll, all ages are welcome!”

The inaugural installment of the StoryWalk features the book Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds. It will be on the front lawn of the The Brookfield Library, accessible from the library patio, through November 13. The Brookfield Library is located at 182 Whisconier Road in Brookfield, CT.

StoryWalk was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and was originally developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. StoryWalks have been installed in 50 states and 12 countries including Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea! In Connecticut, there have been StoryWalks at various locations in Hartford, at the River Trail in Putnam, and inside the Cragin Memorial Library in Colchester.

This press release was produced by the Brookfield Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.