Walking is about to get more interesting with a new self-guided family program offered by the Vandergrift Public Library.
StoryWalk is a self-guided initiative encouraging the public to visit local parks, learn something new and spend time together.
The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
StoryWalk has been installed in all 50 states and more than 13 countries.
The program will take place in two parks — Kennedy and Franklin — and serves as a kickoff for the library’s animal-themed 2021 Summer Reading Program.
More than 30 illustrated laminated signs depicting a page from each featured library favorite book, “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” and “From Head to Toe,” will be installed at eye level for children.
“We wanted the public to just explore and learn together and have something to do as a family,” said Kelsey Lege, children’s program coordinator.
Lege joined the library about four months ago and said putting this project together has been fun.
StoryWalk is free and is scheduled to open Aug. 10.
Participants are encouraged to use their smartphones to scan the QR codes posted on select signs to learn more about the featured animals.
“Just follow the signs around the park to see what awaits. Take a pic of your walk and tag us on social media with #vandergriftstory walk,” said Vanessa Groholski, library director.
StoryWalk will continue until winter temperatures force a break but will resume in the spring.
“It’s an established program, but I was looking for more exciting opportunities and wanted to encourage literacy and get families active,” Groholski said.
Vandergrift Councilman John Uskuraitis said council granted approval for the project and said it will be a benefit to the community.
“It’s another collaboration between the borough and the library, and I’m excited about it,” Uskuraitis said.
Groholski said she hopes to make an established permanent rotating book series, but, for now, the StoryWalk is not permanent.
She said deciding which books to feature was easy.
“It’s a popular book series, and it’s funny and kid-approved,” Groholski said of her selection, Laura Joffe Numeroff’s “If You Give a Moose a Muffin.”
Author Eric Carle died a few months ago, and Groholski said she wanted to honor his memory in choosing “From Head to Toe.”
Organizers hope folks from other communities will be encouraged to visit the borough.
“People who haven’t visited Vandergrift are invited to visit the local parks and see what Vandergrift has to offer,” Groholski said.
