by Sira Williams
In the summer of 2016 the Red Bank Public Library began our Story Walk initiative with the hope of reaching our local residents in a different and interactive way – one that promotes literacy, fitness and community. It seemed a perfect fit for our “hip” town and for the beautiful passive park that overlooks the Navesink. Each week different picture books were displayed along its winding paths so that visitors could enjoy a short walk and read a story.
We wanted to appeal to the crowds of residents and visitors who gathered several times a week for movies, exercise and jazz in the park. In no time, we found that it was not only a hit with young families, but with dog walkers, lunchtime picnickers, and folks just out for an evening stroll. Since then, the Story Walk at Riverside Gardens has become an established landmark in town, appearing on local Must-See lists, exhibited at the NJLA Annual Conference, and emulated by other libraries and towns.
Posting each installment was initially very labor intensive - requiring a number of tools and a lot of elbow grease. Frequent monitoring was also necessary to ensure it remained intact because it was open to the elements. Our goal of installing permanent fixtures was realized the summer of 2018 when we cut the ribbon on the new and improved Story Walk at Riverside Gardens! The permanent installation was made possible with support from the Borough and generous funding from the William Gross Foundation. Now residents can visit the Story Walk year round, and because of its popularity, we maintain a second Story Walk on the grounds of the Library during the summer months, too.
The Story Walk ribbon cutting with Miss Sira and Mayor Menna
Selecting the picturebooks for display is fun but challenging. It requires finding the right combination of great illustrations, simple/legible text and a story that appeals to people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds. Our hope is that everyone in the community will enjoy it, so finding bilingual stories that meet these criteria is ideal, and they are featured as often as possible. The books may be seasonal, funny, inspiring or uplifting. Make sure the Story Walk is on your to-do list whenever you’re near the park, especially with children. Encourage kids to read to you. Ask them questions about the story or the illustrations. Challenge them to hop, skip or do jumping jacks between the stations. The Story Walk can be as passive or as active as you make it.
The Story Walk before the permanent fixtures were put in.
The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walkers are a reminded that the library is a place for everyone and that they might like to visit their library soon. These days you can visit the Red Bank Public Library virtually through our website where you will find our 24-Hour Library with a tremendous catalog of digital materials and our bilingual COVID-19 Resource Page. You should also follow us on FaceBook, Instagram, and YouTube where we post our own programs and content as well as links to resources and information that may be helpful to you at this time.
As the weather becomes milder and restrictions ease a bit, get out into the fresh air and visit the Story Walk at Riverside Gardens. Currently, you’ll find the Caldecott Medal Winner by Dan Santant – The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend. Enjoy!