In Spring 2023, the Friends financed the installation of a StoryWalk at Thoman Park
A StoryWalk is a movement and literacy boosting project that places an illustrated children’s book, taken apart and displayed page by page, along a walking route in your community. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story.
StoryWalks have been installed in 50 states and 13 countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea!
The concept was first developed in Vermont as a collaboration between the State Health Department and a local library as a way to convince families to get outside and be active while engaging with literacy.
The installation at Thoman Park features 20 stations, the contents of which are updated seasonally. Staff members in the Youth Services Department select the books and design interactive prompts to engage and entertain readers.