StoryWalk® now in Glen Bruce Park

The Kingsport Public Library has installed a StoryWalk® in Glen Bruce Park to encourage reading and outdoor activity for families in an interactive format.

StoryWalk, a system created for outdoor spaces with numbered stations that contain laminated pages from children’s books, can be found in all 50 states and internationally.

“A StoryWalk is a wonderful way for the community to combine literacy and movement as residents and visitors enjoy downtown Kingsport,” said Chris Markley, manager of the Kingsport Public Library. “Glen Bruce Park is an ideal location adjacent to the library for families to stroll and read during a visit. Families can enjoy a book and outdoor time even when the library is closed. Thank you to Kitty Frazier, manager of Kingsport Parks and Recreation, and the Advisory Committee for approving this new installation.”

The first book to be featured is “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,” as retold by author Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

“This book celebrated its 30th anniversary of publication last year,” said Casey Applebaum, youth services senior librarian. “It is a timeless story with an interactive storyline that will get children of all ages out and moving, which made it a perfect choice for the first StoryWalk.”

The library plans to change the stories quarterly, and new books will be announced on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kingsportlibrary/.

Participants are encouraged to share photos via social media and tag the Kingsport Public Library on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Participants also are encouraged to visit the library to check out books to share together in the park or at home.

Glen Bruce Park is located at 414 Broad St., in downtown Kingsport, adjacent to the library. Free parking is available.

Anne Ferguson created the StoryWalk concept, and it was launched in 2007 at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vermont.