Permanent StoryWalk Display Coming to Settlers’ Park

Curling up with a good book and going for a walk are both favorite—but very different—pastimes for many families, but what if you could combine the two activities? Thanks to the new StoryWalk boards being installed in Settlers’ Park, Plainfield families will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds beginning this fall.

“We’ve heard from parents who say their kids love to read and never want to go outside and play, and then we hear from others whose kids love to run around and never settle down for a story,” said Lisa Pappas, director of the Plainfield Public Library District. “The new StoryWalk should appeal to both types of kids.”

The StoryWalk Project was created in 2007 in Vermont as a way to promote healthy lifestyle choices and literacy. Pages of a children’s storybook are displayed along a path, allowing people of all ages to read an engaging story while taking a stroll. StoryWalks have been installed in all 50 states and in several countries around the world.

The Plainfield StoryWalk will be a permanent fixture in Settlers’ Park, the first of its kind in the Plainfield area thanks to a joint partnership between the Library, the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library and the Village of Plainfield. The Friends generously donated $6,000 to cover the costs of the 16 story panels, book inserts and maintenance, and the Village of Plainfield is in the process of installing the structures.

“We couldn’t have accomplished the StoryWalk without the Friends and Village partnership,” said Pappas. “We’re connecting kids with a love of nature and reading together.”

Library staff members will manage the StoryWalk and select the books. The books featured in the StoryWalk panels will be switched out quarterly.

The first book that will be displayed is A Fall Ball for All, which was written by Jamie A. Swenson and illustrated by Chiara Fedele. This beautifully illustrated, rhyming picture book tells the charming tale of how the animals of the forest gather together for their annual windfall ball in preparation for the long winter.

The new Plainfield StoryWalk will be unveiled during a celebration on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Settlers’ Park from 9:30 to 11 a.m. There will be refreshments and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

“We hope Plainfield families will make a habit of visiting the StoryWalk several times a year,” said Pappas. “We can’t wait to see children running from page to page!”

Settlers’ Park is located behind the Village Hall at 24401 Lockport Street in Plainfield. The first StoryWalk panel can be found near the playground.