StoryWalk coming to City Park this summer

written by SARAH NADEAU written by

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

LIBRARIAN

WASHINGTON COUNTY

FREE LIBRARY

Washington County Free Library is committed to promoting health and wellness in our community. Reading with loved ones is great exercise for young minds: Sounding out words together is like lifting weights, imaginative bedtime stories are mental yoga and nishing that rst big chapter book might feel like crossing the nish line of a marathon. So why not combine the mental tness of reading with the healthy bene ts and fun of a visit to the park?

Your library is excited to introduce a permanent StoryWalk in City Park, in partnership with the City of Hagerstown Parks & Recreation and with support from Meritus Health and Kiwanis of Hagerstown. At the south end of the park, families will have the opportunity to walk along a designated trail while enjoying a children’s book, page by page. Pedestals with frames to protect story pages will be spaced along the path to be enjoyed at a leisurely or brisk pace.

The walk between pages gives families the chance to engage young readers: What do they think might happen next in the story? What words best describe the main character?

It is also a great time to get some exercise. Challenge your young readers to do 10 jumping jacks, balance on one foot for 30 seconds or practice mindful breathing for one minute before you reach the next page. The possibilities are endless.

Librarians will choose new stories for the StoryWalk every few months so readers of all ages can enjoy a continual experience. Our goal is that the new trail will encourage parents to read more with their children, develop in families a love of healthy physical activity, give kids the opportunity to connect with nature and the outdoors, and provide our community with a wonderful place for making childhood memories.

Washington County Free Library, City of Hagerstown Parks & Recreation, Meritus Health and Kiwanis of Hagerstown are all excited to read and walk with you soon. Look for the new StoryWalk in City Park this summer.

Families will have an opportunity to walk along a trail while enjoying a children’s book on pedestals. SUBMITTED PHOTO/ PLAINFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY