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Check out a Story Stroll Kit!
Story Strolls are a fun way to host outdoor programming and engage your local community. This family activity combines literacy, exercise, and nature.
Any public library in Georgia may check out one of Georgia Public Library Service’s Story Stroll kit. Schools and other organizations may request a kit for checkout as well.
Each kit includes:
- 16-22 panels with H stakes. The front side of panels are spreads from a story and the back side encourages movement between signs on the way back,
- Two copies of the storybook for programming use, and
- A one-page piece of paper with tips.
- Most stories also include an audio version, which can be accessed via QR code link with tactile sticker on each panel.
Borrowing libraries must complete a survey to give us feedback after checking out a kit.
Each kit prompts users to sign our GPLS Story Stroll guestbook and share feedback. The guestbook is linked to from here. GPLS uses these submissions for social media and will tag corresponding libraries as possible.
Example of a Story Stroll kit: Saturday book with H stakes and signs
Steps for Reservations:
Follow the steps below to make your request
- Review the use policy.
- Read the FAQs.
- View the stories available and reserve a kit.
- The maximum loan period is four weeks. If more time is needed, contact GPLS MarComm staff at communications@georgialibraries.org.
- GPLS MarComm staff will contact you regarding the status and confirmation of your request.
Available Story Stroll Kits
(Images and descriptions from Amazon.com)
Request a Story Stroll kit by submitting a request through a google form.
Additional questions? Please email communications@georgialibraries.org.
Abuela, by Arthur Dorros
Come join Rosalba and her grandmother, her abuela, on a magical journey as they fly over the streets, sights, and people of New York City which sparkles below. The story is narrated in English, and sprinkled with Spanish phrases as Abuela points out places that they explore together. The exhilaration in Rosalba’s and Abuela’s story is magnified by the loving bond that only a grandmother and granddaughter can share.
Daniel’s Good Day, by Micha Archer
The people in Daniel’s neighborhood always say, “Have a good day!” But what exactly is a good day? Daniel is determined to find out, and as he strolls through his neighborhood, he finds a wonderful world full of answers as varied as his neighbors.
Drawn Together, by Minh Le
When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens—with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.
Going Down Home with Daddy, by Kelly Starling Lyons
Set at one young boy’s annual family reunion, this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book by Kelly Starling Lyons and Daniel Minter is a rich and moving celebration of Black history, culture, and the power of family traditions.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Scholfield-Morrison
On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical! She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!
I’ll Walk with You, by Carol Lynn Pearson
Beloved author of The Lesson and Will You Still Be My Daughter? Carol Lynn Pearson is known for her heartfelt, sometimes tear-jerking poetry and stories. Her newest title will enchant children with a sweet, tender poem about loving and accepting others, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what their age and abilities are.
I Took a Walk, by Henry Cole
Have you ever sat quietly near a stream, or in a meadow or a wood, and just looked and listened? Well, now is your chance-come walk with Henry Cole in this delightful follow-up to Jack’s Garden. The pages of this book invite young viewers to observe the many forms of wildlife and plants found on land and in the water. You’ll be surprised by how much you see!
My Papi Has a Motorcycle, by Isabel Quintero
A celebration of the love between a father and daughter, and of a vibrant immigrant neighborhood, by an award-winning author and illustrator duo.
When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she’s always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her.
Read Me a Story, Stella, by Marie Louise Gay
In this book, Stella introduces little brother Sam to the pleasures of reading. Sam is as busy and worried as ever, and Stella almost always has her nose in a book these days, but she finds time to help him out, while sharing her new pastime with contagious enthusiasm.
Saturday, by Oge Mora
In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what’s best about Saturdays: precious time together.
The Hike, by Alison Farrell
A plucky and sweet adventure story, The Hike celebrates how fun and rewarding it is to explore nature in your own backyard!
Wolfie the Bunny, by Ame Dyckman
The Bunny family has adopted a wolf son, and daughter Dot is the only one who realizes Wolfie can–and might–eat them all up! Dot tries to get through to her parents, but they are too smitten to listen. A new brother takes getting used to, and when (in a twist of fate) it’s Wolfie who’s threatened, can Dot save the day?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should we place the Story Stroll? Consider reaching out to your parks and recreation department to see if you can place a Story Stroll along a trail in a park, or along a path downtown or leading to your library to draw people to walk there. Please protect the story from precipitation and bring it in during the overnight periods to prevent damage.
How can I learn more about Story Strolls? Check out this webinar for programming ideas.
Does GPLS gather feedback about the Story Strolls? Yes! At the end of each stroll, visitors can scan a QR code to share their thoughts on the experience and upload any photos: https://georgialibraries.org/stroll/
We also ask libraries to share their feedback about their experience using the kits here.
Where else does GPLS have Story Strolls? We have permanent Story Strolls set up at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and at the Macon Museum Complex. Stories will be rotated seasonally at these locations.
How is this project funded? Story Strolls are made possible by American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Does GPLS have permission to use these titles? GPLS secured permission from each publisher. We will renew permissions as needed. Permissions are printed on the second panel of each Story Stroll.
Use Policy
Libraries that borrow a kit agree to complete a mandatory survey for GPLS & IMLS statistics after use.
Non-libraries can also request to checkout a kit and will be allowed to checkout on a case by case basis.
Procedures
- Libraries can borrow a kit for 4 weeks or may request a time period that is approved by GPLS. Check out begins once your checkout request is approved.
- Kits may not be checked out to patrons.
- Non-PINES libraries may request a Story Strolls kit but are responsible for the pick up and return to their system’s main office.
- Non-libraries can request a kit, but must be able to pick up from the GPLS office.
- Additional questions? Please email communications@georgialibraries.org.
Responsibilities of the Georgia Public Library Service
- GPLS will provide carrying cases for the loaned kits for safe transport, via the PINES Courier Service. Non libraries may pick up kits from the GPLS office once their request has been approved.
- GPLS will replace damaged materials but borrowing libraries or organizations must report condition of the kits prior to their return to GPLS.
Responsibilities of the borrowing library or non-library
- By requesting a Story Stroll kit, you accept this Use Policy.
- Treat the Kit and its contents with care, and return them neatly and in good condition. Inform GPLS of any damages done to the Story Stroll Kit, its components, or carrying cases.
- Designate a person of contact who will be responsible for updating GPLS about the condition and location of the Kit.
- Plan programming for staff and/or patrons.
- Return the kit promptly to GPLS upon completion of the checkout period.
