City of Hillsboro, OR

04/27/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/27/2023 16:02

Take a StoryWalk® in Shute Park


There's a new reason to visit Shute Park - a StoryWalk®!

In collaboration with the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department, and with funding from the State Library of Oregon's Read to Read Grant program, the first StoryWalk® in Hillsboro opened on April 25 to a crowd of happy children.

"Installing a StoryWalk® in Hillsboro parks allows us to extend our services into the community and meet people where they are," said Hillary Ostlund, City of Hillsboro Public Library Director.

"It's a fun, educational activity for everyone that combines the outdoors, literacy, healthy activities, and family time."

What is a StoryWalk®?

A StoryWalk® is just what it sounds like: A story you can enjoy while you walk. Picture book pages are mounted on frames along a path and may include activity prompts.

The Public Library Association describes it this way: "A StoryWalk® is literally taking apart a picture book, placing each laminated page in a weather-protected frame, and placing these frames in an outdoor space so that children and families can enjoy books in an outdoor setting."

Where is the Shute Park StoryWalk®?

The StoryWalk® at Shute Park begins on the path between the Shute Park Library, goes counterclockwise behind the stage, and ends near the park's playground.

Map

How often will the StoryWalk® stories change?

The featured book will change every two months. In May & June 2023, the featured book is We Laugh Alike Juntos nos reímos, by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand.

New stories will be selected for the upcoming schedule:

  • July & August 2023
  • September & October 2023
  • November & December 2023
  • January & February 2024
  • March & April 2024

What is the future of StoryWalks® in Hillsboro?

The Library Foundation of Hillsboro has already provided funding for the next StoryWalk®, which should open later this year. The Foundation has also committed to funding more StoryWalks® around Hillsboro over the next few years.

The StoryWalk® project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Anne Ferguson.