Library unveils StoryWalk

Sundance Library has introduced a new reason to get outside and enjoy the fresh air this fall with its newly installed StoryWalk®. Follow the path from Clarenbach Park to enjoy a fun tale of a cat and his crayons, with activities along the way for the kids to enjoy.

StoryWalks promote active reading by asking questions, building vocabulary and connecting to a child's world. The project was introduced by Anne Ferguson of Vermont in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library and is now present in all 50 states and 12 countries.

Bringing the idea to Sundance was an idea first suggested by Jill Mackey, who until recently served as Library Director. It was met with enthusiasm by the Sundance City Council, which agreed to allow the library to make use of the city walking path.

"It was funded partly by the Wyoming Community Foundation and the agreement was to have matching funds. The Crook County Library Foundation stepped up and matched all the funds," says Library Director Bonnie Stahla, whose own contribution saw the StoryWalk come to fruition last week.

The grant was for $4000, she says, and the foundation has so far submitted a little more than that to complete the project.

Once the process of putting the walk together was complete, Stahla called Public Works Director Mac Erickson to let him know and he arrived in short order to pick up the equipment.

"They installed it at no cost to us," she says, expressing her gratitude for the continued support.

Stahla and Branch Manager Carrie Riley picked Pete the Cat: Crayons Rock for the first book to be featured in the storywalk.

"There's one activity where there are paint chips that the kids can pick out and match colors to nature," she says.

"There's another 'I Spy' game back behind the daycare."

Following the walk is easy, Stahla says. However, if you want to make sure of your route, you can find a map at the beginning of the walk.

"It goes from Clarenbach Park all the way to the Central Office parking lot. There's a beginning and ending double-sided placard and 20 in between," she says.

The beginning also features an introduction, including information about the origins of Storywalk and emblems to represent the Wyoming Community Foundation, Crook County Library Foundation and City of Sundance.

"The Foundation thought it would be nice to thank Jill for all her hard work when she was director, so on the back of it, it says you're enjoying this walk thanks to her," Stahla says.

At the final stop on the walk, scanning a QR code will take you to a survey on the library's website. The morning after the walk was completed, Stahla was surprised and thrilled to see that someone had already submitted their survey response.

The StoryWalk itself is permanent, but the story it tells will not be. This, says Stahla, is intended to give the community a reason to return and enjoy a literary stroll – and a little extra outdoor exercise – more than once.

"We plan on changing the book at least four times a year," Stahla says. The next one will be placed somewhere near the beginning of December and will have a wintery, Christmas theme.