Are you looking for an exciting outdoor activity to enjoy with your family? Look no further than your local Story Trail. These activities are perfect for families as they combine outdoor exploration with early literacy development. Story Trails, also known as StoryWalks® or Book Trails, help children develop a love for reading while promoting healthy physical activity and appreciation for nature. The idea of taking books beyond the library to outdoor spaces is unique and refreshing. You can find these trails outside on library grounds, in nearby parks, or in downtown areas. Families can read while walking, riding, or running along these paths. It's a fun-filled adventure for everyone! Collaborations between public libraries, local government parks and recreation departments, and community organizations often present Story Trails.
Following the Path to Early Literacy
Story Trails and StoryWalks® are outdoor activities that involve displaying pages from children's books along walking paths, on poster boards, attached to fences, or encased in outdoor frames. These pages are often accompanied by activity prompts and questions. Early exposure to books and conversations can help children develop their language skills and communicate better. This promotes early literacy skills and offers families an opportunity to connect with nature and each other. Imagine creating lasting memories as you explore the great outdoors with your loved ones, all while discovering a new story together.
Leading the Way
Dr. Noah Lenstra, an Associate Professor of Library and Information Science at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and advocate of Story Trails, notes that “North Carolina has been at the forefront of developing StoryWalks® since the concept was first introduced in Vermont in 2007.”
The Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) conducts an annual "StoryWalk® Week" to celebrate and promote public libraries' Story Walks. In the previous year, North Carolina had the highest number of participants, with 16 public libraries taking part in the event.
Dr. Lenstra adds, “For over a decade, the Watauga County Public Library has teamed up with the Downtown Boone Development Association for an annual holiday StoryWalk® in which the pages are posted in downtown businesses, including the library. For nearly as long, the New Hanover County Public Library has worked with New Hanover County Parks & Gardens to bring StoryWalks® experiences to trails across the county.” Collaborations between libraries and other organizations are beneficial. Dr. Lenstra states, “Through these partnerships, public libraries extend their reach, engaging new audiences while also augmenting and enhancing the experience of North Carolina’s diverse trails. Perhaps most importantly, the partnerships themselves have created new relationships that North Carolina’s public librarians can use for a wide variety of purposes. Thanks to these initiatives, North Carolina’s public librarians build their capacity to collaborate and engage communities!”
On the Story Trail
If you're searching for your next adventure, you should consider looking at the Story Trails of North Carolina Map. This map features over 70 Story Trails that you can explore in 42 counties of North Carolina, allowing you to discover amazing locations you may not otherwise have. What's even more exciting is that some of these locations offer accessible reading options, such as sound stations or bilingual books, so that everyone can enjoy the experience.
Recent additions to the map are the Story Trail at Mulberry Recreation Center in Lenoir, NC, and the Story Trail at Redwood Park in Hudson, NC. Partners for these locations include Caldwell County Smart Start, City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation, Town of Hudson Parks and Recreation, Caldwell County Library Lenoir Branch, and Boy Scout Troop #263!
Along with listed partners, the map markers note if the Story Trail location includes accessible reading options. For example, the Story Trail at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine, NC, includes sound stations at each story page stop and is recorded in English and Spanish. Several locations provide bilingual book options, such as the Story Trail at WIC Community Garden in Yadkinville, NC, and the Story Trail at Murray’s Mill in Catawba, NC. The Story Trail at Historic Oak View County Park in Raleigh, NC, includes English and Spanish books and a Social Narrative accessible via the Historic Oak View County Park's Public Programs webpage.
Planning Your Next Adventure
With Story Trails, there's no end to the adventures you can have. From exploring the pages of a children's book to discovering new and exciting locations in your community, Story Trails offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience for all ages. And with the help of public libraries and community partners in North Carolina, there are now more Story Trails to explore than ever before. So why not consult the Story Trails of North Carolina Map, grab your family, lace up your hiking boots, and set out on your next adventure today? The magic of Story Trails awaits!