by Sherry Feeser
In just a few short weeks, the temperatures will, hopefully, be increasing, and many of us will be looking for something to do outside. Several of the libraries in the Adams County Library System will have you covered. We will be placing StoryWalks outside several library branches. StoryWalks are fun for all ages.
What is a StoryWalk, you ask? A StoryWalk is an illustrated storybook that has been dissected, laminated, and adhered to posts along a walking path, so you are walking and reading at the same time. A StoryWalk incorporates movement and literacy.
Several branches of the ACLS started posting StoryWalks during Covid when we couldn’t hold in-person programs. At that time, this was a way to still share stories with families. In East Berlin, we would see whole families coming by to read the story together! Grandparents also enjoyed getting the grandchildren out and active and loved doing our StoryWalks together.
The following are just a few of the stories we have used in our StoryWalks: “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen, “I Stink” by Jim McMullan, “Grumpy Bird” by Jeremy Tankard, “Aliens Love Underpants” by Claire Freedman and “Mother Bruce” by Ryan T. Higgins. With some of the stories, we give instructions to do fun movements like hopping or skipping to the next post. With some of the stories, we have a little paper puppet, you can take on the walk with you. Each story is different and uniquely fun for families with children of all ages.
The libraries in ACLS that have been posting StoryWalks are Trone Memorial Library of East Berlin, Harbaugh Thomas Library of Biglerville, and the Carroll Valley Library. You can find the StoryWalk in the gardens around the East Berlin Library, in the outside patio area as you enter the Biglerville branch, and along the beautiful walking path by the Carroll Valley Branch.
So If you are looking for something to do this Spring with the whole family, contact your local branch of the ACLS to see if they have a StoryWalk posted, then get outside moving and reading @ your library. We are currently working on plans for new stories for the summer that will go with our Summer Quest theme: “All Together Now!”. Visit our website events page at www.adamslibrary.org for a list of many other exciting events at all of the ACLS branches.
Sherry Feeser, Children’s Coordinator, Trone Memorial Library of East Berlin.