Delco Officials Introduce "StoryWalk" Outdoor Reading Program

Delaware County is hoping its new program will get area kids into a more active life and into reading.

The Delaware County Council will open the count Library System's "StoryWalk" program at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday Oct. 12 at Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media.

StoryWalk is an interactive reading-exercise hybrid program that aims to get kids outdoors and walking while stimulating their brains with reading.

The StoryWalk path winds along the hillside in Rose Tree Park, where 19 Plexiglas panels display a children’s book, "The Bus for Us" by Suzanne Bloom, which tells the story of Tess and Gus as they wait for their bus on the first day of school.

StoryWalk is free and open during park hours and the stories are geared for children ages 1 to 7. Featured stories will change every three months.

"StoryWalk is a wonderful way for adults and their young children or grandchildren to combine literacy skills and healthy exercise as they walk roughly 1,300ft to each of the 19 reading stations while enjoying the beauty of Rose Tree Park," the Delaware County Library System website says. "The activity combines exercise and reading to further enhance health and literacy in children and adults. StoryWalk is a free activity for all Delaware County residents that is accessible during normal park hours. Bring your walking shoes, your reading glasses, and enjoy StoryWalk at Rose Tree Park!"

The Delaware County Council, Director of the Delaware County Library System Cathy Bittle, Director of Parks and Recreation Marc Manfre, students from the Williamson College of the Trades, and students from the Walden School in Upper Providence will all be present at the StoryWalk grand opening Wednesday.

Visit the Delaware County Library System website for more information StoryWalk and other county library programs and events.

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