Later this month, families visiting a variety of Putnam County communities will be able to enjoy a picture book while enjoying a walk. The Putnam County StoryWalk® Project (PCSP) will unveil the Edgar and Betty Bayliff StoryWalk® at the Cloverdale Community Park, the Reelsville Community StoryWalk® at the Reelsville Community Center, and the Roachdale Community StoryWalk® at Roachdale Elementary School.
Kick-Off events will be held for the unveiling of each StoryWalk®. On Saturday, November 20, at 11 a.m. the Edgar and Betty Bayliff StoryWalk® at the Cloverdale Community Park will be unveiled followed by the Reelsville Community StoryWalk® at the Reelsville Community Center at 3 p.m. The Roachdale Community StoryWalk® at Roachdale Elementary will be unveiled on Tuesday, November 23, during the school day.
StoryWalks® are an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are placed in metal displays, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story.
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, formerly of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
In late 2020, the PCSP was created as a coalition of local organizations interested in seeing StoryWalks® placed throughout Putnam County. The PCSP comprises many partners, including the Putnam County Public Library, Purdue Extension-Putnam County, Putnam County Community Foundation, and many more.
“StoryWalks® were an immediate hit with local organizations,” said library Marketing & Communications Director Kaitlin Tipsword. “Once we began reaching out to other organizations, we realized that this was a project that commanded universal support throughout the community.”
The PCSP has been primarily funded by the Putnam County Community Foundation. The Edgar and Betty Bayliff StoryWalk® was funded by matching funds given in their memory. Taylor’s Hometown Hardware in Cloverdale also provided a generous in-kind donation to the Edgar and Betty Bayliff StoryWalk®. The PCSP has facilitated the purchase and installation of this and other StoryWalks® to be placed throughout Putnam County.
“The Storywalk® project was one that we identified last year as something positive that we could plan and accomplish during the uncertainty of COVID. It is wonderful to see those plans coming to fruition and the first one installed,” said Library Director Matt McClelland. “We are very fortunate to have so many great partners in both planning and funding these installations.”
Combining play with learning, StoryWalks® are an important early literacy tool for Putnam County children. The Putnam County Public Library will trade out books seasonally, so there are new stories to enjoy throughout the year.
“Developing early literacy skills is essential to success in school and later in life,” said Youth Services Manager Krista Mullinnix. “We hope our StoryWalks instill a love of reading and create fun family memories.”
StoryWalks® are also a way for families, children, and adults to enjoy the outdoors while also enjoying a story.
“StoryWalks are a great way to get the family active,” said Mindy Duckett, Purdue Extension. “The benefits of physical activity and being outdoors improves our health both physically and mentally.”
To get involved with the Putnam County StoryWalk project, please contact the library at director@pcpl21.org.
For more information about library services, programs, and collections, please call us at 765-653-2755 or visit pcpl21.org. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9-8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9-5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.
