Patrons can utilize the side of the library's property from Main Street and make their way to the StoryWalk® located on the library lawn to the parking lot.
Assistant Library Director Kim Ivers shares that, "the idea for a StoryWalk® came about in the spring of 2020. Generally the library does a big summer reading program for children. With the library closed to the public and many restrictions on public activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was trying to think of other ideas to engage the public. Initially, the thought was to do a temporary StoryWalk® installation with laminated pages attached to garden spikes or the outside of windows. Ultimately, the idea of making something more permanent at the library seemed like a better option. Other local Story Walks were researched, along with the companies that provided materials."
Kim also noted that "the grant funding was ultimately received by the Southborough Community Fund, and the Southborough Department of Public Works was instrumental in getting the display stands installed in the ground. Finally in May of 2021, the first story Also an Octopus by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Benji Davies was ready for reading! The library plans to change the story out about every three months. We can coordinate with current library events such as the [Library Seed Exchange] launch in the spring."
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition (VBPC) and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
A StoryWalk® is a fun and interactive way for children and adults to enjoy reading an engaging story together while outside. Pages from a selected children’s book are mounted and displayed for viewing along a guided route. It is also a great way to boost literacy. And the best part: it is free!
So get moving, reading and ready to have some fun together outside the Southborough Library. We are also excited to provide a virtual StoryWalk® experience for patrons as well.
Titles featured in the Southborough StoryWalk® have included:
