STORYWALK

WHAT IS A STORYWALK®?

A StoryWalk® is a book that has been disassembled, laminated and presented page by page to promote reading and exercise on a trail, bike path, or in store windows and as you stroll, you are directed to the next page in the story.

It is the mission of Oregon Public Library District to provide resources in support of the information and recreation needs of area residents and thereby be a center for community enrichment and lifelong learning.

The Library District realizes that the way it serves the community is continually evolving to meet ever-changing lifestyles.  After reading about Storywalks® all over the country, Oregon Public Library began the process of how to provide this innovative opportunity to the Oregon community.

Where could the walk be located?

Oregon Park West seemed the perfect location. Reading stations could be spaced out on the path and present books to park visitors while enjoying the natural beauty and benefits of Oregon Park West. The Oregon Park District was contacted and eagerly agreed to provide the location, installation, and maintenance of the walk.

How is the StoryWalk® funded?

The Library contacted E.D.Etnyre Company, a vital part of the Oregon community since 1898, for funding through the Etnyre Foundation.

A grant application was submitted and in April 2020, we received a generous financial award to purchase the materials for the StoryWalk®.

The Oregon Public Library District will oversee the literacy maintenance (changing out the books on a regular schedule) for the StoryWalk®.

Many of the books planning to be shared on the StoryWalk® were generously donated by George and Kathy Bouska, long-time residents and teachers of Oregon.

The Oregon Public Library District and Oregon Park District feel this unique way to promote literacy and exercise can be used by all ages, groups, families and the school district.

As Anne Ferguson, founder of the StoryWalk ® said on the Kellogg Hubbard Library website, “It has always been about promoting early literacy, physical activity, and family time together in nature. Its success is due to partners, partners, partners that understood from very early on how this idea could be used to bring a fun and educational family activity to their community.”