In the 1960’s, at Christmas time, our family would go to a big department store in Denver and look at the outdoor window displays. I remember the scenes were magical. There were window-sized people sledding and skiing. Christmas music was piped outside and often there was a story told from one pane to the other. I LOVED following the crowds from window to window, marveling at each creation!

An outdoor StoryWalk creates similar magic for kids. Created by Anne Ferguson of Montpellier, VT when she worked for the Vermont Department of Health, the StoryWalk is a way to get families outside and be active while engaging with literacy. She wanted to develop something that required the adults to be active alongside children, with no financial limitations that would leave some families out. Now libraries worldwide provide StoryWalks in outdoor spaces and local city parks.

A Story Walk is created by taking apart a children’s book (or getting copyright permission to digitally reproduce the book) and reassembling it at kiosks along a pathway or trail. Families can read the book together and participate in the suggested activities. Kids often run from station to station to find out what is next in the story.

The library is happy to announce a new Story Walk at Thoman Park. Just a half mile away from the library, Thoman Park offers a paved walking path, playground, and covered pavilion with picnic tables. Now our StroyWalk adds to the ambiance and excitement of this little park. Library users can easily walk to the park or take an even shorter car ride from the library. The book we are currently featuring is When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes. Stories will be changed every 3 months with a new one coming in June.

Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 4, at 11:30 AM at Thoman Park. Although the walk has been available for several weeks, we will officially celebrate the positive impact the walk will have on the residents of our community. The library would like to thank the O’Fallon Parks Department for installing the kiosks, the Friends of the O’Fallon Library for their generous financial support and the city of O’Fallon for helping with printing.

Coming soon – Summer Reading Program! You are invited to register for this year’s program beginning May 27 (teen program starts May 8). The theme is “Find Your Voice” and we will explore ways to develop interests through the arts, sciences and much more. We will also have entertainers, contests and lots of programs. But most importantly we will read! There will be incentives for all ages including adults. Check out our website May 1 for more information.