​Plainfield StoryWalk Pops Up at Elementary Schools

With the need for social distancing, many Plainfield families are scrambling for ways to keep their kids busy and active this summer. One popular option has been the Plainfield StoryWalk.

The permanent installation at the Village of Plainfield’s Settlers’ Park displays pages of a book along a nearly half-mile path. It has become such a popular activity since it was installed in October 2019 that the staff at the Plainfield Public Library District decided to expand, and a partnership with the Plainfield Community Consolidated School District was born.

The library has installed Pop-Up Plainfield StoryWalks at River View Elementary, 2097 Bronk Road, and Walker’s Grove Elementary, 24810 W. 135th Street.

River View is displaying “Duck On a Bike” by David Shannon, and Walker’s Grove has “The Good Egg” by Jory John and Pete Oswald. The first panels are located near the schools’ entrances. The panels are arranged in a counter-clockwise path around each of the schools.

The library also recently switched out the book at the permanent StoryWalk at Settlers’ Park. It’s now displaying “We're Going On a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. The first panel is located near the playground.

Visitors to all the StoryWalks are encouraged to practice good social distancing while viewing the books. Only one family should view each panel at a time, maintaining a minimum of 6 feet between groups, and they are encouraged to refrain from touching the panels. Also as a reminder, the schools’ playgrounds are currently closed.

The length of time that the books will be on display has yet to be determined; much depends on how the panels handle the weather. So make plans now to pop over to River View and Walker’s Grove to take a stroll and read a family-friendly book!