Outdoor story strolls combine nature, walking, and reading for family fun.

Jan. 17, 2023
Contact: Deborah Hakes, ​dhakes@georgialibraries.org

ATLANTA…Georgia Public Library Service has launched a Story Stroll at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, Georgia. The Stroll is a set of 20 permanent displays along the Beaver Pond Trail at the Center, each containing one spread from an engaging children’s book. Stories will be changed to accompany programs and events. Each story’s panel also includes a QR code to enable those who are visually impaired to access an audio version. The story currently displayed is I Took a Walk by Henry Cole.

“We hope the new Story Stroll will draw people to the Chattahoochee Nature Center as visitors enjoy nature, literacy, and walking together outside library walls,” said Julie Walker, Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives and State Librarian. “This is an exciting way for our two organizations to build upon our partnership.”

The Chattahoochee Nature Center and Georgia Public Library Service already have a partnership in place where library patrons across the state can check out the Library Family Pass, which provides four free admissions to the Center. The pass has been checked out over 2,000 times since 2019.

”Visitors can expect to find a new story each quarter along a family-friendly hike on the Beaver Pond Trail, where they can read the story step-by-step and page-by-page,” said Alicia Thompson, senior director of learning and engagement at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. “The Story Stroll will engage the thousands of visitors who attend and will enhance their experience at the Center.”

Access to the Story Stroll is included with General Admission and free to Chattahoochee Nature Center members. See www.chattnaturecenter.org to plan your visit.

STORY STROLL KITS AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Georgia Public Library Service also is launching 12 Story Stroll kits that public libraries in Georgia can check out through the PINES system to host local events. This innovative project is among the first of its kind, enabling libraries across the state that may not have the funding to be able to implement a Story Stroll activity locally. Only library staff, not patrons, can check out a kit, but patrons could ask their librarian to request one. Each kit contains a different children’s picture book, with one spread from an engaging children’s book per display panel. Each story’s panel also includes a QR code to enable those who are visually impaired to access an audio version. Libraries can set these up outdoors and plan related programming to engage their community.

“Story Strolls are a fun way to host outdoor programming and engage our local communities,” said Walker. “Georgia Public Library Service looks for ways to meet the needs of our public libraries, no matter where they are located, and to encourage reading for all ages. Any of our 409 libraries may host a Story Stroll at no cost to them.”

This project was made possible through federal ARPA funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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The Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. GPLS is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Through partnerships with organizations across the state, Georgia’s public libraries provide families with educational and recreational opportunities to spend time together while saving money. ​​www.georgialibraries.org #GeorgiaLibraries