StoryWalk
The first City of Waterville StoryWalk® installation has launched on the North St Connector Trail!
The Waterville StoryWalk® initiative is made possible by the Waterville Public Library, Waterville Parks & Recreation, Waterville Creates, Children's Discovery Museum, Colby College Civic Engagement Program, anonymous donors, and more. The original StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Funding has recently been secured through the Waterville Rotary Clubs for a second StoryWalk® trail installation at a location yet to be determined in Waterville. This trail is expected to be installed in the spring of 2022.
The aspiration is for the stories to be changed out at each trail on a quarterly basis. We are working on the budgeting and funding to support this full vision. We just received another $3000 gift to support the StoryWalk® initiative. We are in discussions with the Colby Civic Engagement Program to develop a fundraising project that students can lead and support in assisting with the funding with this effort. We are finding StoryWalk® to be a powerful vehicle to empower people and strengthen community.
The first picture book that has been installed at the North Street Connector StoryWalk® is Daniel Finds a Poem.
Waterville Public Library Children's Librarian Liz Davis, Waterville Creates Arts Education & Outreach Manager Serena Sanborn, and Children's Discovery Museum Director Amarinda Keys are developing the printed layout for StoryWalk® installations. City of Waterville Parks and Recreation/Public Works staff installed the metal signage infrastructure. WOO HOO!!
Copies of the picture books installed for StoryWalk® will be available for pick-up for free at the Library while supplies last. In addition to the experiences provided at the trails, we seek to enhance and advance literacy by ensuring youth and families are aware of the resources, services, and community connections available through their public library.