Warsaw Community Public Library recently cut the ribbon on its new StoryWalk, which is located on the Beyer Farm Trail at Pike Lake. Photo provided.

By Sarah Neel
Communications Manager
Warsaw Community Public Library

WARSAW — The StoryWalk along the Beyer Farm Trail at Pike Lake is officially open. On Monday morning, Sept. 9, community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a stroll down the trail to read “Acorn Was a Little Wild” by Jen Arena. The morning was filled with sunshine and laughter, and we were thrilled to see so many wonderful people helping us celebrate this exciting new addition to our town.

You might be wondering, “What exactly is a StoryWalk?” A StoryWalk is an innovative way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, StoryWalks involve placing pages from a children’s book along a walking path, allowing families to read a story as they stroll. These installations have spread across the United States and  internationally, bringing literacy, physical activity and nature together. StoryWalks provide numerous benefits to communities — they encourage families to spend time outdoors, promote early literacy and a love for reading, support physical well-being and foster a sense of community as people gather to enjoy the  stories.

Warsaw Community Public Library is deeply grateful to the sponsors who made the new StoryWalk possible. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Friends of the Library, whose continuous support allows us to bring enriching experiences like this to the community. We also want to recognize the Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department for their hard work in installing the StoryWalk and their ongoing commitment to enhancing our local parks. Special thanks as well to the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw and the Warsaw Noon Optimist Club, both of which have been instrumental in supporting initiatives that nurture learning and engagement. It is through the combined efforts of these organizations that we can offer such valuable resources to our community.

Thanks again to everyone who joined us on Monday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and StoryWalk dedication. It was a joy to see so many community members come together to celebrate this new addition. If you couldn’t make it, we encourage you to visit and experience the StoryWalk for yourself — take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the story and create some memories along the way. And be sure to check back every few months as we’ll change the story to keep the experience fresh and exciting.