New library program makes reading a walk in the park

Take a walk along the trail at Lu-Ray Park in Central City, and you’ll see something new. Along the walking trail there, and at several locations around the county, there are storybooks, ready to read as you stroll.

StoryWalk is an outdoor reading experience, using deconstructed storybooks placed along public walking trails. Janet Harris, director at Muhlenberg County Public Libraries, said the project is a great way to get outdoors and read with a youngster at the same time.

“We thought it would be a really neat idea, and it would get people up and moving, and give people a chance to do something as a family,” Harris said.

The storybooks are taken apart, and the pages are laminated and posted in protective displays that meander down the trail. Readers young and old can enjoy a read while they get some fresh air.

StoryWalk was started in 2007 by a chronic disease specialist named Anne Ferguson, a proponent of getting people outside in her Montpelier, Vermont hometown. Now, StoryWalks can be found across the country, and across Muhlenberg County as well. Bremen Community Center, Muhlenberg County Park, LuRay Park, and the Rails to Trails trailheads in Greenville and Central City will have StoryWalk installations.

The stories will be changed every six to eight weeks, and each StoryWalk has a different book to read. Harris said she hopes this will encourage people to visit all the trails, and maybe discover something new.

Each StoryWalk is made from an actual book. Each book is taken apart, and the pages are put on a card stock backing, then laminated and placed in a frame. The frames are powder coated, and set into the ground along the trails.

At this time, there are stories in place at the Greenville Rails to Trails entrance, and at LuRay Park in Central City. The others will be added soon.

Funding for the project came from a grant from the hospital, and the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation.

“Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital is proud to partner with Muhlenberg County Libraries to encourage physical activity and literacy in our community,” said Jessica Browning, a spokesperson for the hospital. “The StoryWalks will provide an excellent opportunity for families in our community to check out the many great walking trails that Muhlenberg County has to offer. This is the perfect time to get outside, get moving, and get into a good book.”