It’s not the library you remember.
The Story Walk Project, created by Anne Ferguson, a specialist in chronic disease prevention for the Vermont Department of Health, came up with the novel idea of combining reading with exercise and not the magazine-propped-on-a-treadmill type, either. A proponent of getting people out of the house and into the fresh air, Ferguson concocted the kid-aimed Story Walk, which is brilliant in its simplicity.
The pages are removed from a children's book, laminated and mounted on stakes which are placed in their correct sequence along walkways.
This project is brought to the community by Southeast Regional Library headquarters, who put together several kits to use within our region for the summer.
Take a walk along the path between the campground and the swimming pool in Kipling for your chance to read the latest story.
“There’s been lots of feedback from the families that have checked it out,” says librarian Charla Smyth. “They were really excited about seeing the stories.”
Kids are encouraged to keep reading books throughout the summer months.
“Our Summer Reading Club has also been a big hit,” explains Smyth. “We’ve got lots of prizes this year which is a good incentive for the kids to do their reading.”
For some kids reading just six books is a big deal whereas other kids reading 100 books may be “their thing.”
Every time a child uses their library card, they are entered into the draw for their chance to win a prize.
There are educational prizes for the grand prizes and other smaller prizes as well.
“Kids are excited and their parents are just as excited,” says Smyth about the Summer Reading Program.
“We’re also still doing the craft bags through the summer,” explains Smyth.
“There’s 20 Take ‘n Make bags available every week and all are gone so it’s going over well.”
The library wasn’t able to do an in-person program due to COVID, so Smyth posts an instructional video every week depicting how the craft is to be made.
It’s great for families to craft together.
