Combining outdoor activity with literacy: Twin Falls gets another StoryWalk

Key Takeaways:

• Twin Falls opened a new permanent StoryWalk at Thomsen Park.
• StoryWalk combines reading with walking by displaying book pages along a park path.
• The library will update the featured book monthly, often with seasonal themes.
• The initial book is “The Mitten” by Jan Brett; next is “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats.
• The library has utilized StoryWalks for eight years and plans to expand to other parks.

Combining Outdoor Activity and Literacy in Twin Falls

Introduction

Take a walk, read a book. Twin Falls has embraced this simple yet powerful concept with the introduction of a new permanent StoryWalk at Thomsen Park. Jennifer Hills of the Twin Falls Public Library expressed the initiative’s goal succinctly: “It’s a good way of combining outdoor activity and literacy.”

The StoryWalk Concept

StoryWalks offer a unique way to experience literature by placing pages of a picture book along an outdoor path. As families stroll, they stop to read each page, merging the joy of reading with physical activity. “StoryWalks have grown in popularity since the first one was created by a Vermont woman in 2007,” Hills noted.

Grand Opening Event

The community gathered to celebrate the grand opening on Saturday, January 4, 2025. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a visit from the Bookmobile, and hot chocolate and cookies to warm attendees on the crisp winter day. It wasn’t long after the ribbon was cut that children and adults alike were strolling—and sometimes running—along the loop, stopping at the 20 metal pedestals displaying pages from the featured book.

Monthly Book Features

Currently, the StoryWalk showcases “The Mitten” by Jan Brett, a charming tale describing how a young boy’s lost mitten leads to a snowy adventure. “The illustrations are almost as entertaining as the reading,” Hills said. The library plans to refresh the StoryWalk monthly with new books, often selected to match the season. Next month’s book is “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats, featuring Peter, an African American boy exploring his neighborhood after the first snowfall.

Community Impact

Local parent Allison Hubbs attended the event with her children. She shared that her kids enjoy the outdoors and reading, so the StoryWalk “fits in perfectly with their interests.” Bill Sweet of the Twin Falls Public Library Foundation noted that the StoryWalk is something his grandchildren would enjoy, highlighting the appeal across generations.

Library’s Commitment and Future Plans

The Twin Falls Public Library has been utilizing StoryWalks for about eight years, with previous installations at the library and temporary setups for special activities at City Park. “This was a chance for us to create a permanent one that doesn’t need to be taken down,” Hills explained. There are hopes to introduce additional permanent StoryWalks in other city parks, further promoting literacy and outdoor engagement throughout the community.

Conclusion

By bringing books into the parks, Twin Falls is fostering a love of reading and an appreciation for the outdoors. The new StoryWalk at Thomsen Park represents a collaborative effort to enrich the community, offering an interactive experience that families can enjoy together throughout the year.